Molecular Markers
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
At the end of this chapter, you should be able to:
- Define what a molecular marker is and how they are used.
- Explain how molecular markers are generated in the laboratory.
- Explain the difference between neutral versus adaptive markers.
- Distinguish between PCR and non-PCR based markers.
Molecular markers are indispensable tools in the field of molecular ecology and evolution, providing insights into the genetic makeup of organisms that are otherwise invisible to the naked eye. These markers are specific sequences of DNA that can be used to identify individuals, ascertain genetic diversity, and understand the genetic structure of populations. They play a pivotal role in a myriad of applications including, but not limited to, phylogenetics, population genetics, conservation biology, and the study of evolutionary processes. This chapter will explore the various types of molecular markers such as microsatellites, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and sequence-tagged sites, among others. Each marker type offers unique advantages and limitations depending on the research objectives, from fine-scale genetic mapping to broad-scale population studies.
