SEQUENCE-TAGGED SITES (STSS) AS STANDARD LANDMARKERS IN THE RICE GENOME

Generating sequence-tagged sites (STSs) is a prerequisite to convert a genetic map to a physical map. With the help of sequence information from these STSs one can also isolate specific genes. For these purpose s, we have designed PCR primer sets, of 20 bases each, by reference to sequences of restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) landmark ers consisting of rice genomic clones. These markers were evenly distr ibuted over the 12 chromosomes and were shown to be single copy by Sou thern-blot analysis. With improved PCR protocols, 63 standard STS land markers in the rice genome were generated. Similarity searches of all partial sequences of RFLP landmarkers by the FASTA algorithm showed th at 2 of the 63 RFLP landmarkers, G357 and G385, contained part of the ORFs of aspartate aminotransferase and protein kinase, respectively.