Python DNA testing with miniPCR
Elijah Snyder’s hobby is breeding ball pythons. Ball pythons are one of the most popular pet reptiles, and they come in a dizzying array of colors and patterns.
Genetic testing of ball pythons – why?
Knowing which versions of a gene a snake carries can help breeders generate snakes that have the exact physical characteristics they want. In some cases, this means doing a genetic test on the snake! Using miniPCR equipment along with guidance from the Ball Python Genetics Project, Elijah was able to set up genetic testing of his own snakes at home.
In his recent article on Medium, Elijah takes you through his journey into python genetics. Read it below:
Ball pythons are a commonly captive kept, and bred, snake that has many naturally occurring “morphs”. The most popular morphs are simple Mendelian inheritance traits, as opposed to polygenic traits, which means they can be identified with technologies that visualize genes. In this article, we describe how anyone has access to the technologies that make this possible with a focus on do-it-yourself over commercialized testing… [Read more]
