Dynamics of telomere length in captive Siamese cobra () related to age and sex.

Telomeres comprise tandem repeated DNA sequences that protect the ends of chromosomes from deterioration or fusion with neighboring chromosomes, and their lengths might vary with sex and age. Here, age- and sex-related telomere lengths in male and female captive Siamese cobras () were investigated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction based on cross-sectional data. A negative correlation was shown between telomere length and body size in males but not in females.

A novel method of caenophidian snake sex identification using molecular markers based on two gametologous genes.

Sex identification provides important information for ecological and evolutionary studies, as well as benefiting snake conservation management. Traditional methods such as cloacal probing or cloacal popping are counterproductive for sex identification concerning very small species, resulting in difficulties in the management of their breeding programs. In this study, the nucleotide sequences of gametologous genes ( and genes) were used for the development of molecular sexing markers in caenophidian snakes.