The use of amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) in the isolation of sex-specific markers

Sex identification is a problem in research and conservation. It can often be solved using a DNA test but this is only an option if a sex-specific mar ker is available. Such markers can be identified using the amplified fragme nt length polymorphism (AFLP) technique. This is usually a taxonomic method , as it produces a DNA fingerprint of 50-100 PCR bands. However, if male an d female AFLP products are compared, sex-specific markers are confined to t he heterogametic sex and can rapidly be identified. Once a marker is found, AFLP can be used to sex organisms directly or the marker can be sequenced and a standard PCR test designed.