Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPDs)

Because polymorphisms are noted by the presence or absence of amplification products from a single allele, the random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique tends to provide only dominant markers. Individuals containing two copies of one allele are not distinguished by amplification (1 ,2 ) from those with only one copy. Dominant markers provide little linkage information for markers linked in repulsion. Therefore, when mapping, it is advisable to only work with markers linked in coupling, e.g., in a backcross or recombinant-inbred population, haploid, or gametophytic tissue or, alternately, in an F2 population with markers amplified from only one parent.