Molecular Marker Techniques Used in Health Sciences

Abstract

Summary Molecular markers have been used by many researchers to access DNA sequences. Basically two types of molecular markers are used; based on hybridization, such as, RFLP (Restriction Fragment of Length Polymorphism) and VNTR (Variable Number of Tandem Repeats) or based on amplification, such as, RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA), SCAR (Sequence Characterized Amplified Regions), STS (Sequence Tagged Sites), SSR (Simple Sequence Repeats) and AFLP (Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism). The molecular markers based on hybridization have a great problem: their high costs and execution time. However, they have the advantage of generating consistent data. On the other hand, the amplifying molecular markers do not have this advantage, but they have a low cost, short period of time is required and there is easiness in the execution. In this way, these molecular markers are the most used by researchers. DESCRIPTORS Molecular markers. Hybridization. Amplification.