Comparative molecular genetics techniques

The advent of molecular genetic techniques such as amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis, where the degree of difference in the DNA between individual lines or species can be compared, has allowed the establishing of a much more precise assessment of genetic relatedness. 

All molecular genetic techniques require some amount of specialized scientific equipment. Because many items of equipment are expensive, it is a good idea to determine what instrumentation exists at the department or institution level, and to what extent it can be shared. Table II provides information on equipment required for the various comparative techniques and the ease with which each instrument can be shared. Items that typically are shared include large equipment such as high-speed and ultra-... 

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