Molecular Markers: Principles and Methodology

Gupta, P.K., Varshney, R.K.ORCID: 0000-0002-4562-9131 and Prasad, M. (2002) Molecular Markers: Principles and Methodology. In: Jain, S.M., Brar, D.S. and Ahloowalia, B.S., (eds.) Molecular Techniques in Crop Improvement. Springer, Dordrecht, pp. 9-54.

Abstract

Molecular markers are based on the polymorphism detected at the level of macromolecules within the cell, although more recently, the term has largely been used to describe the DNA markers only. These DNA markers can be unlimited in number and can prove very useful for a variety of purposes relevant to crop improvement. For instance, these markers have been utilized extensively for the preparation of saturated molecular maps (genetical and physical). Their association with genes/QTLs controlling the traits of economic importance has also been utilized in some cases for indirect marker assisted selection (MAS). Other uses of molecular markers include gene introgression through backcrossing, germplasm characterization, genetic diagnostics, characterization of transformants, study of genome organisation, phylogenetic analysis, etc. (Rafalaski et al., 1996). However, the progress in adoption of molecular markers by the plant breeders for MAS has been slow, despite the fact that in sharp contrast to the transgenic approach, no questions of biosafety and bioethics have been raised against this technology.

Item Type:	Book Chapter
Publisher:	Springer, Dordrecht
Copyright:	© 2002 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht
URI:	http://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/65131

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