Albino

[ZEROPILOT]

Do you have to treat the albino differently? I mean as far as sun exposure goes.
I've never seen one in person and I imagine this makes for one EXPENSIVE tortoise...

 

[Anyfoot]

Do you have to treat the albino differently? I mean as far as sun exposure goes.
I've never seen one in person and I imagine this makes for one EXPENSIVE tortoise...

That's a good question. I have friend who is albino and he has to keep out of the sun. Dunno why. But he does.

 

[JoesMum]

That's a good question. I have friend who is albino and he has to keep out of the sun. Dunno why. But he does.

I do too. With humans, the lack of melatonin in the skin makes them very susceptible to burning which is why they have to stay out of the sun. I have no idea how it would affect a tort though.

 

[ZEROPILOT]

I'd want to know before I dropped a zillion bucks down on a tortoise.
Just curious for now...

 

[N2TORTS]

So Mr JD. I can see how this becomes obsessive.

So am I right in saying there is no difference in appearance from a hets and a regular tort.
But the hets is carrying a dominant and recessive gene and not just the dominant gene that the regular tort is carrying.
Also is it just a coincidence that these hets are splits. Can some hets have the normal classic scute appearance?

BTW Are there albino cherries and northern reds out there.

yes~ sort of .. ...yes , yes and yes .....
I myself work with Hypo Northern ( 2- different gene lines) and Hypo Cherries....all 100% recessive gene visual animals. This/last year I produced a few Het Hypo animals myself per some requests by clients besides the Hypo animals. For myself/experience within my groups, the Het Hypos' do show little tweeks in their coloring... and within a group of neo-nates can be identified right away....however this is not always the case as the OP's pic/thread points out. The Albino/Hypo animals can and will produce "normal symmetrical scutes" just like any of the regular phenotypes. Most common read.. "aberrant scutes are due to " high temps" during incubation" , although there is some genetics involved and plays a major role on the out come.

 

[N2TORTS]

Melatonin was first discovered in connection to the mechanism by which some amphibians and reptiles change the color of their skin.[7][8] As early as 1917, Carey Pratt McCord and Floyd P. Allen discovered that feeding extract of the pineal glands of cows lightened tadpole skin by contracting the dark epidermal melanophores.[9][10]
In 1958, dermatology professor Aaron B. Lerner and colleagues at Yale University, in the hope that a substance from the pineal might be useful in treating skin diseases, isolated the hormone from bovine pineal gland extracts and named it melatonin.[11] In the mid-70s Lynch et al. demonstrated[12] that the production of melatonin exhibits a circadian rhythm in human pineal glands.
The discovery that melatonin is an antioxidant was made in 1993.[13] The first patent for its use as a low dose sleep aid was granted to Richard Wurtman at MIT in 1995.[14] Around the same time, the hormone got a lot of press as a possible treatment for many illnesses.[15] The New England Journal of Medicine editorialized in 2000: "With these recent careful and precise observations in blind persons, the true potential of melatonin is becoming evident, and the importance of the timing of treatment is becoming clear. "[16]

Melanin i/ˈmɛlənɪn/ (Greek: μέλας - melas, "black, dark") is a broad term for a group of natural pigments found in most organisms (arachnids are one of the few groups in which it has not been detected). Melanin is produced by the oxidation of the amino acid tyrosine, followed by polymerization. The pigment is produced in a specialized group of cells known as melanocytes.
There are three basic types of melanin: eumelanin, pheomelanin, and neuromelanin. The most common type of melanin is eumelanin. There are two types of eumelanin—brown eumelanin and black eumelanin. Pheomelanin is a cysteine-containing red polymer of benzothiazine units largely responsible for red hair, among other pigmentation. Neuromelanin is found in the brain, though its function remains obscure.
In the skin, melanogenesis occurs after exposure to UV radiation, causing the skin to visibly tan. Melanin is an effective absorber of light; the pigment is able to dissipate over 99.9% of absorbed UV radiation.[1] Because of this property, melanin is thought to protect skin cells from UVB radiation damage, reducing the risk of cancer. Furthermore, though exposure to UV radiation is associated with increased risk of malignant melanoma, a cancer of the melanocytes, studies have shown a lower incidence for skin cancer in individuals with more concentrated melanin, i.e. darker skin tone. Nonetheless, the relationship between skin pigmentation and photoprotection is still being clarified.[2]
References[edit]

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2. Jump up ^Brenner M, Hearing VJ (2008). "The protective role of melanin against UV damage in human skin". Photochemistry and Photobiology 84 (3): 539–49. doi:10.1111/j.1751-1097.2007.00226.x. PMC2671032. PMID18435612.
3. Jump up ^http://www.metacyc.org/META/NEW-IMAGE?type=COMPOUND&object=CPD-12380[full citation needed]
4. Jump up ^Vincent J. Hearing and Katsuhiko Tsakamoto (1991), "Enzymatic control of pigmentation in mammals" (PDF), The FASEB Journal 5 (14): 2902–2909
5. Jump up ^V.Krishnaraj, M.D, Skin Layers[full citation needed]
6. Jump up ^Greco G, Panzella L, Verotta L, d'Ischia M, Napolitano A (April 2011). "Uncovering the structure of human red hair pheomelanin: benzothiazolylthiazinodihydroisoquinolines as key building blocks". Journal of Natural Products 74 (4): 675–82. doi:10.1021/np100740n. PMID21341762.
7. Jump up ^G. Prota and A. G. Searle (1978), "Biochemical sites of gene action for melanogenesis in mammals" (PDF), Annales de génétique et de sélection animale 10 (1): 1–8
8. Jump up ^Fedorow H, Tribl F, Halliday G, Gerlach M, Riederer P, Double KL (2005). "Neuromelanin in human dopamine neurons: comparison with peripheral melanins and relevance to Parkinson's disease". Prog Neurobiol 75 (2): 109–124. doi:10.1016/j.pneurobio.2005.02.001. PMID15784302.
9. Jump up ^Double KL (2006). "Functional effects of neuromelanin and synthetic melanin in model systems". J Neural Transm 113 (6): 751–756. doi:10.1007/s00702-006-0450-5. PMID16755379.
10. Jump up ^Hamilton AJ, Gomez BL (March 2002). "Melanins in fungal pathogens". Journal of Medical Microbiology 51 (3): 189–91. PMID11871612.
11. Jump up ^Cerenius L, Söderhäll K (April 2004). "The prophenoloxidase-activating system in invertebrates". Immunological Reviews 198: 116–26. doi:10.1111/j.0105-2896.2004.00116.x. PMID15199959.
12. Jump up ^Castelvecchi, Davide (May 26, 2007). "Dark Power: Pigment seems to put radiation to good use". Science News 171 (21): 325. doi:10.1002/scin.2007.5591712106.
13. Jump up ^Dadachova E, Bryan RA, Huang X et al. (2007). "Ionizing radiation changes the electronic properties of melanin and enhances the growth of melanized fungi". Plos One 2 (5): e457. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0000457. PMC1866175. PMID17520016. CS1 maint: Explicit use of et al. (link)
14. Jump up ^Jimbow, K; Quevedo WC, Jr; Fitzpatrick, TB; Szabo, G (Jul 1976). "Some aspects of melanin biology: 1950-1975.". The Journal of investigative dermatology 67 (1): 72–89. doi:10.1111/1523-1747.ep12512500. PMID819593.
15. Jump up ^Grande, Juan Manuel; Negro, Juan José; María Torres, José (2004). "The evolution of bird plumage colouration; a role for feather-degrading bacteria?". Ardeola 51 (2): 375–83. doi:10.1007/s00114-008-0462-0. Cite uses deprecated parameter |coauthors= (help)
16. Jump up ^Kim, Y.-J.; Uyama, H. (15 May 2005). "Tyrosinase inhibitors from natural and synthetic sources: structure, inhibition mechanism and perspective for the future". Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences 62 (15): 1707–1723. doi:10.1007/s00018-005-5054-y.
17. Jump up ^Oculocutaneous Albinism
18. ^ Jump up to: abc"Ocular Manifestations of Albinism"
19. Jump up ^http://pages.britishlibrary.net/charles.darwin/texts/origin_6th/origin6th_01.html[dead link]
20. Jump up ^EntrezGene300700
21. Jump up ^EntrezGene606933
22. Jump up ^Cable J, Huszar D, Jaenisch R, Steel KP (February 1994). "Effects of mutations at the W locus (c-kit) on inner ear pigmentation and function in the mouse". Pigment Cell Research 7 (1): 17–32. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0749.1994.tb00015.x. PMID7521050.
23. Jump up ^Lewy Body Disease[full citation needed]
24. Jump up ^Nicolaus BJ (2005). "A critical review of the function of neuromelanin and an attempt to provide a unified theory". Med. Hypotheses 65 (4): 791–6. doi:10.1016/j.mehy.2005.04.011. PMID15949901.
25. Jump up ^Meyskens FL, Farmer P, Fruehauf JP (June 2001). "Redox regulation in human melanocytes and melanoma". Pigment Cell Research 14 (3): 148–54. doi:10.1034/j.1600-0749.2001.140303.x. PMID11434561.
26. Jump up ^Meier-Davis SR, Dines K, Arjmand FM et al. (December 2012). "Comparison of oral and transdermal administration of rasagiline mesylate on human melanoma tumor growth in vivo". Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology 31 (4): 312–7. doi:10.3109/15569527.2012.676119. PMID22515841. CS1 maint: Explicit use of et al. (link)
27. Jump up ^King G, Yerger VB, Whembolua GL, Bendel RB, Kittles R, Moolchan ET (June 2009). "Link between facultative melanin and tobacco use among African Americans". Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior 92 (4): 589–96. doi:10.1016/j.pbb.2009.02.011. PMID19268687.
28. Jump up ^Smithsonian Human Skin Color Variation The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
29. Jump up ^Tishkoff SA, Reed FA, Friedlaender FR et al. (May 2009). "The genetic structure and history of Africans and African Americans". Science 324 (5930): 1035–44. doi:10.1126/science.1172257. PMC2947357. PMID19407144. CS1 maint: Explicit use of et al. (link)
30. Jump up ^Harding RM; Healy E; Ray AJ et al. (April 2000). "Evidence for variable selective pressures at MC1R". American Journal of Human Genetics 66 (4): 1351–61. doi:10.1086/302863. PMC1288200. PMID10733465. Cite uses deprecated parameter |author-separator= (help)
31. Jump up ^Lamason RL, Mohideen MA, Mest JR et al. (December 2005). "SLC24A5, a putative cation exchanger, affects pigmentation in zebrafish and humans". Science 310 (5755): 1782–6. doi:10.1126/science.1116238. PMID16357253. CS1 maint: Explicit use of et al. (link)
32. Jump up ^Liu Y, Hong L, Kempf VR, Wakamatsu K, Ito S, Simon JD (June 2004). "Ion-exchange and adsorption of Fe(III) by Sepia melanin". Pigment Cell Research 17 (3): 262–9. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0749.2004.00140.x. PMID15140071.
33. Jump up ^Donatien PD, Orlow SJ (August 1995). "Interaction of melanosomal proteins with melanin". European Journal of Biochemistry 232 (1): 159–64. doi:10.1111/j.1432-1033.1995.tb20794.x. PMID7556145.
34. Jump up ^Sarangarajan R, Apte SP (2005). "Melanin aggregation and polymerization: possible implications in age-related macular degeneration". Ophthalmic Research 37 (3): 136–41. doi:10.1159/000085533. PMID15867475.
35. Jump up ^Meyskens FL, Farmer PJ, Anton-Culver H (April 2004). "Etiologic pathogenesis of melanoma: a unifying hypothesis for the missing attributable risk". Clinical Cancer Research 10 (8): 2581–3. doi:10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-03-0638. PMID15102657.
36. Jump up ^Sarangarajan R, Apte SP (2005). "Melanization and phagocytosis: implications for age related macular degeneration". Molecular vision 11: 482–90. PMID16030499.

• "Link 4-Melanin 95-97," taken from R.A.Nicolaus,G.Scherillo La Melanina.Un riesame su struttura,proprietà e sistemi, Atti della Accademia Pontaniana, Vol.XLIV,265-287, Napoli 1995.[1]
• Dr. Mohammed O. Peracha, Dean Elloit, and Enrique Garcia-Valenzuela, "Occular Manifestations of Albinism" (Abstract at emedicine.com, Sept. 13, 2005).

 

[N2TORTS]

How about a Redfoot with a purple head?....

 

[Killerrookie]

Looks like Darth Vadar when he takes his helmet off.

 

[Anyfoot]

yes~ sort of .. ...yes , yes and yes .....
I myself work with Hypo Northern ( 2- different gene lines) and Hypo Cherries....all 100% recessive gene visual animals. This/last year I produced a few Het Hypo animals myself per some requests by clients besides the Hypo animals. For myself/experience within my groups, the Het Hypos' do show little tweeks in their coloring... and within a group of neo-nates can be identified right away....however this is not always the case as the OP's pic/thread points out. The Albino/Hypo animals can and will produce "normal symmetrical scutes" just like any of the regular phenotypes. Most common read.. "aberrant scutes are due to " high temps" during incubation" , although there is some genetics involved and plays a major role on the out come.

How do I know if I have a hets tort or not?Not knowing any history of the torts.

 

[N2TORTS]

with out any history and any "proven" ...you don't know....

 

[Anyfoot]

with out any history and any "proven" ...you don't know....

That's what I thought you was going to say . Thanks for your input.

 

[portsmouthtortoises]

So Mr JD. I can see how this becomes obsessive.

So am I right in saying there is no difference in appearance from a hets and a regular tort.
But the hets is carrying a dominant and recessive gene and not just the dominant gene that the regular tort is carrying.
Also is it just a coincidence that these hets are splits. Can some hets have the normal classic scute appearance?

BTW Are there albino cherries and northern reds out there.

That's right. No difference in appearance whatsoever.
The dominant gene in these is the same as a regular tortoise (except for being a different blood line) so when their parents, which are Het for albino produce offspring, there is a 1 in 4 chance of producing a normal with no recessive albino gene.

This is just a coincidence that they all have split split scutes, yes. These are all cherries as well.

 

[Anyfoot]

with out any history and any "proven" ...you don't know....

So

That's right. No difference in appearance whatsoever.
The dominant gene in these is the same as a regular tortoise (except for being a different blood line) so when their parents, which are Het for albino produce offspring, there is a 1 in 4 chance of producing a normal with no recessive albino gene.

This is just a coincidence that they all have split split scutes, yes. These are all cherries as well.

Thanks sully. One last thing then I think I understand it all. What does the term.
"Het for albino" mean. Is it because there is for example also "Het for hypo".

 

[portsmouthtortoises]

So

Thanks sully. One last thing then I think I understand it all. What does the term.
"Het for albino" mean. Is it because there is for example also "Het for hypo".

You're welcome.
A tortoise that is Het for albino will look normal but carry a recessive albino gene, if bred with an albino or another het for albino tortoise, they are likely to produce albino offspring.
Het for hypo is the same principle but will produce hypo offspring.

 

[Anyfoot]

You're welcome.
A tortoise that is Het for albino will look normal but carry a recessive albino gene, if bred with an albino or another het for albino tortoise, they are likely to produce albino offspring.
Het for hypo is the same principle but will produce hypo offspring.

Thanks. Got it. Totally understand the principal of hets albino and hypo now. Thanks to you n jd. Next to look into punnets and gene placement. All very educating. Cheers again.

 

[Anyfoot]

You're welcome.
A tortoise that is Het for albino will look normal but carry a recessive albino gene, if bred with an albino or another het for albino tortoise, they are likely to produce albino offspring.
Het for hypo is the same principle but will produce hypo offspring.

BTW. Do you have African spur torts too. Going on ya name

 

[portsmouthtortoises]

BTW. Do you have African spur torts too. Going on ya name

I do but it's Sulley because my surname is Sullivan.

 

[Anyfoot]

I do but it's Sulley because my surname is Sullivan.

Ha. Not Ronnie by any chance. My favorite snooker player. Well after the legend. Alex higgins.