Final answer:
Continual activation of the agouti gene (hypomethylation) can result in persistent agouti coat color in mice, where the solid coloration is partially expressed as well. This phenomenon occurs due to the dominance of the agouti gene over solid-colored fur. Additional effects beyond coat color may occur, as DNA methylation plays a role in gene regulation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The consequences of the agouti gene being continually active (hypomethylated) can affect the coat color of mice. The wild-type coat color, called agouti (AA), is dominant to solid-colored fur (aa). However, a separate gene (C) is necessary for pigment production. If the agouti gene is hypomethylated, it may result in the continuous expression of the gene, leading to persistent agouti coat color.
An example of this can be seen in mice with a hypomethylated agouti gene. They may exhibit a mottled coat color, where the agouti color is not fully dominant and the solid coloration is partially expressed as well. This can lead to a coat color phenotype that is a mix of both colors.
It is important to note that hypomethylation of the agouti gene can have additional effects beyond coat color, as DNA methylation plays a role in gene regulation and expression. However, the specific consequences in other aspects may vary and need further research.