<P> In humans , the inheritance pattern followed by blue eyes is considered similar to that of a recessive trait ( in general , eye color inheritance is considered a polygenic trait , meaning that it is controlled by the interactions of several genes , not just one ) . In 2008 , new research tracked down a single genetic mutation that leads to blue eyes . `` Originally , we all had brown eyes , '' said Eiberg . Eiberg and colleagues suggested in a study published in Human Genetics that a mutation in the 86th intron of the HERC2 gene , which is hypothesized to interact with the OCA2 gene promoter , reduced expression of OCA2 with subsequent reduction in melanin production . The authors suggest that the mutation may have arisen in the northwestern part of the Black Sea region , but add that it is `` difficult to calculate the age of the mutation . '' </P>
<P> In humans , the inheritance pattern followed by blue eyes is considered similar to that of a recessive trait ( in general , eye color inheritance is considered a polygenic trait , meaning that it is controlled by the interactions of several genes , not just one ) . In 2008 , new research tracked down a single genetic mutation that leads to blue eyes . `` Originally , we all had brown eyes , '' said Eiberg . Eiberg and colleagues suggested in a study published in Human Genetics that a mutation in the 86th intron of the HERC2 gene , which is hypothesized to interact with the OCA2 gene promoter , reduced expression of OCA2 with subsequent reduction in melanin production . The authors suggest that the mutation may have arisen in the northwestern part of the Black Sea region , but add that it is `` difficult to calculate the age of the mutation . '' </P>
where does the blue eye gene come from
where does the blue eye gene come from
a mutation in the 86th intron of the HERC2 gene
a mutation in the 86th intron of the HERC2 gene