Application of the random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique to distinguishing species of the red tide phytoplankton Chattonella (Raphydophyceae)

Abstract

The random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique was applied to strain and species identification. Four different arbitrary primers were tested with DNAs from seven strains of four species of red tide algae of the genus Chattonella. Two of the primers showed species-dependent profiles, while the other two identified differences between strains. The results indicate that the RAPD technique is useful for distinguishing polymorphisms among species or strains.