Molecular Maps of Animal Genome

Molecular Maps of Animal Genome - In recent years, with the advent of recombinant DNA and PCR technologies, successful efforts have been made to prepare genetic, cytogenetic and physical maps of animal genomes.

These maps utilize molecular markers in the form of RFLPs (restriction fragment length polymorphisims), RAPDs or 'rapids' (random amplified polymorphic DNAs), minisatellites or VNTRs (variable number of tandem repeats) and microsatellites or SSRs (simple sequence repeats).

Preparation of physical maps is also facilitated by the preparation of contiguous sets of overlapping clones (called 'contigs') in cosmid and Y AC (yeast artificial chromosome) vectors.

Chromosome walking, chromosome jumping, in situ hybridization (ISH) and several other techniques have also been used for preparation of physical maps. Various aspects of these molecular maps of animal genomes are briefly described in this chapter.