Applications of Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) Markers in Plant Biology

RAPDs are a new class of molecular marker based on PCR amplification of genomic DNA using random sequence primers. Their value for studying plant genomes has been clearly demonstrated in the short lime they have been in use. Uses of RAPD markers include genome mapping, lagging of genes, studying genetic diversity, identifying cultivars and analysing parentage. RAPDs should prove to be as applicable to the study of animal genomes ns they have for plant genomes, It is important that researchers using or planning to use this type of molecular marker be aware of two possible drawbacks of RAPDs. Since RAPDs are amplified using, random sequence primers, the nature of the genomic variation they detect is largely unknown. Furthermore, most researchers have found that careful optimisation of experimental conditions is essential before reproducible and reliable amplifications are achieved. Therefore when using RAPDs careful attention should be given to experimental design, appropriate replication of data and analysis of error frequency. In spite of these possible drawbacks, RAPDs are a readily accessible, technically simple and powerful means of exploring the genome.