Abstract
The versatility of the PCR technique is that several kinds of primers can be explored for genome analysis depending on the purpose of study. The easy to access and low cost PCR-based markers include Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD). The RAPD markers are easy to develop but lack of reproducibility makes it less reliable and obstacles to their further use in authentication of traits. In addition, other PCR and non PCR based markers like Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP), Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) and Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) are also employed in authentication of traits with certain restrictions vis-a-vis use of radioactive materials, high cost and requirement of sequence information etc. Therefore, this problem can be overcome by converting RAPD markers to more robust sequence characterized amplified regions i.e. SCAR markers. SCARs are locus specific, co-dominant in nature and amplified by PCR using specific 15 - 30 bp DNA fragments. For developing SCAR markers, primers are designed from the nucleotide sequences of a cloned RAPD fragments linked to a trait of interest. SCAR markers are easy to develop and reliable tools for DNA fingerprinting. This mini review is an attempt to summarize efficacy of RAPD-SCAR interface in authentication of traits.
Highlights
A molecular genetic marker is a gene or DNA sequence used to identify different features in species
Sequence Characterized Amplified Regions (SCAR) will bridge the gap between the ability to obtain molecular markers linked to genes of interest in a short time and use of these markers in a map-based cloning approac
Developing a SCAR marker requires the use of two specific primers designed from nucleotide sequence established in cloned Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) fragment linked to a trait of interest
Summary
A molecular genetic marker is a gene or DNA sequence used to identify different features in species. One of the simplest and most pervasive applications of PCR-based DNA markers in plants is DNA fingerprinting [3]. Seed companies and national registration agencies have an interest in DNA fingerprinting because the technology can be used to protect intellectual property, establish identity and assess purity. For these reasons, DNA fingerprinting has to be an integral part of research organizations. This mini review is an attempt to summarize the available information between 2010-2015; vis-à-vis RAPD-SCAR maker development and its use as an interface tool for authentication of traits in diverse biological systems
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