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With most lethal genes in hamsters where both germ cells contain the mutant gene death or significant deformity results, but where only one germ cell contains the mutant gene the resultant offspring are healthy.

A lethal gene is created when a mutation carries a "double helping" of a particular gene. The result will be the death of the hamster. The only lethal genes currently known that the average pet owner might come into contact with is the Light Grey (or Lethal Grey) and the Dominant Spot. There are other lethal genes out there but they are not in general circulation and most are confined primarily to laboratories. In the event that two hamsters carrying lethal genes are bred, approximately one quarter of the unborn pups will die before the birth. Under normal conditions the mother's body would absorb the dead pups, if not, it is likely that the mother will also die. Any surviving hamsters with these genes do not generally show any adverse affects.

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16y ago

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