Genetic markers, RAPD analysis

Williams JGK, Kubelik AR, Livak KJ, Rafalski JA, Tingey SV DNA-polymorphisms amplified by arbitrary primers are useful as genetic markers. Nucleic Acids Res 1990 18 6531-6535. Molnar O, Prillinger H, Lopandic K, Weigang F, Staudacher E Analysis of coenzyme Q systems, monosaccharide patterns of purified cell walls, and RAPD-PCR patterns in the genus... 

Some restrictions limit the practical application of RAPD analysis. Dominance is the most important Umitation of RAPD. Dominant markers are not as discriminating as codominant markers to study population genetics. And as a result, more individuals must be sampled per loci for dominant markers (28). 

Stankiewicz, M., G. Gadamski, and S.W. Gawronski (2001). Genetic variation and phylogenetic relationships of triazine-resistant and triazine-susceptible biotypes of Solanum nigrum Analysis using RAPD markers. Weed Res., 41 287-300. 

The simplicity of RAPD should not be taken as a triviality. The results obtained must be carefully interpreted. Sometimes, just one band does not give enough information about the genetic nature (37). When a RAPD assay is carried out, some care must be taken. First of all is the optimization of reaction conditions and maintenance of these conditions throughout the assay. After obtaining the results, careful analysis of the data should take into consideration the dominant nature of markers and origin of the samples. 

Jungehulsing U, Tudzynski P. Analysis of genetic diversity in Claviceps purpurea by RAPD markers. Mycol Res 101 1-6, 1997. 

Gallego, F. J., Perez, M. A., Nunez, Y., Hildago, P. (2005). Comparison of RAPDs, AFLPs and SSR marker for genetic analysis of yeast strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Food... 

Williams, J.G.K., Kubelik, A.R., Rafalski, J.A. and Tingey, S.V. (1991) Genetic analysis with RAPD markers. In Bennet, J.W. and Lasure, L.L. (eds.) More Gene Manipulations in Fungi. Academic Press, New York, pp. 431-439. 

---