Imagine knowing with certainty which snakes carry the Ghost/Hypo allele, breeding with confidence, and producing more of the mesmerizing morphs your customers crave. Level up your breeding game with our Ball Python Ghost/Hypo DNA Test!
Understanding the Ghost/Hypo Mutation
The Ghost/Hypo morph in ball pythons is caused by a recessive genetic mutation that affects pigmentation, giving the snake a faded or hypopigmented appearance. This trait requires two copies of the mutant allele for it to be visible, meaning both parents must carry the mutant allele for the offspring to display Ghost/Hypo characteristics.
The current hypothesis suggests that the mutation impairs the transport of melanin from pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) to surrounding skin cells (keratinocytes), resulting in the peculiar faded coloration that confers these snakes their ghostly, ethereal look. Breeders love how it can enhance the beauty of other morphs when combined, making it a popular choice for creating stunning and diverse color combinations!
What are the steps in the Ghost/Hypo DNA test?
The test is based on the Ball Python Genetic Project, an undergraduate course-based research program led by Dr. Hannah Seidel at Eastern Michigan University. Our Ghost/Hypo DNA Test is straightforward and can be conducted in-house by breeders or used as an educational tool by teachers. The kit includes all the necessary reagents. It consists of three steps:
- Setup & Lysis: Collect a piece of shed from your ball python and extract the DNA with a 10 min incubation.
- PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction): Detect whether the Ghost/Hypo variant is present.
- Gel Electrophoresis: Visualize results on a gel. The resulting DNA band pattern will reveal whether the snake carries the Ghost/Hypo allele.
Process overview for our in-house testing. Get results in 3 hours, with less than 30 minutes hands-on work for processing up to 16 samples!
What do you need for in-house DNA testing of Ball Pythons?
How to start
For in-house DNA testing, you’ll need the kit, supplies for running gel electrophoresis, plastic consumables, and some basic equipment. Do not worry, we’ve done the work for you by bundling everything you need to start testing right away!
Our gelPCR™ Starter Bundle is perfect for processing 8 samples at the time.
Our gelPCR™ Premium Bundle is ideal for processing 16 samples or more at the time.
Good news: the equipment is a one-time purchase and both bundles are currently on sale!
How to keep testing
When it’s time for a refill, simply order the kit online along with the gel electrophoresis supplies and the plastic consumables (i.e. microtubes and filter tips). For convenience, we recommend the Learning Lab Companion Kit, which includes the microtubes and gel electrophoresis materials you’ll need to keep your testing running smoothly.
A user-friendly kit for determining the Ghost/Hypo genotype
Our Ball Python Ghost/Hypo DNA Test provides accurate results, allowing you to gain valuable insights into the genetics behind color morphs. By understanding these genetic traits, you can better plan your breeding projects and achieve desired outcomes. Get your kit today and start an exciting journey into the world of Ball Python genetics!
Example of result using our Ball Python Ghost/Hypo DNA Test. Normal animals (WT) show one band at ~620 bp, animals carrying the Ghost/Hypo allele show two bands, one at ~320 bp and one at ~620 bp.
