MOLECULAR MARKERS IN MAPPING OF PLANT GENOMES

Several methods for constructing and using molecular markers (RFLP, PC R, RAPD, microsatellites, etc.) in mapping of plant genomes are review ed. The efficiency of assessing DNA polymorphism, advantages, and draw backs of various markers are discussed. Simple DNA repeats are highly polymorphic and numerous in plant genomes, and seem to be the most pro mising markers. Enrichment of plant genetic maps in molecular markers allows both monogene and quantitative trait loci (QTLs) to be localize d, and increases the efficiency of gene cloning by ''chromosome walkin g.''