Random Amplification of Polymorphic DNA RAPD

Random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD) is an in vitro amplification technique (see section on polymerase chain reaction below) that eliminates the need for any prior characterization of the genome to be analyzed.12 14 Based on the random amplification of DNA segments using single short primers of arbitrary sequence, RAPD readily detects genetic polymorphisms in most organisms. The method is simple and rapid to... 

Plant DNA analysis has been increasing over the past couple of years because of its ability to pinpoint the origin of drug-related plant material [ 101,102]. Plant STRs are not yet well characterized however, other molecular methods can be combined with capillary gel electrophoresis to establish the identity of plant species [103]. These techniques include amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP), random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD), and other similar random primer annealing techniques used for mutation detection. 

As described by Williams et al. (1990), random amplified polymorphic DNA-PCR (RAPD-PCR) is a variant of PGR that utilizes oligonucleotide probes (9 to 12 base pairs or bp) to amplify several regions of the genome. The amplification products are then separated electrophoretically. Resolution depends upon the primer sequence and reaction conditions. RAPD-PCR can be made more specific by use of highly specific oligonucleotide probes. Holt and Cote (1998) applied this technique toward the identification of dextran-producing Oenococcus strains, and Esteve-Zarzoso et al. (1998) were able to identify Saccharomyces and Zygosaccharomyces species. Quesada and Cenis (1995) used the method to characterize wine yeasts. 

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