Physical Mapping of Chromosome Ends Using Telomeric Fragments - A universal deficiency in genetic maps of higher organisms is the absence of markers that identify the ends of chromosomes. Unique, physically defined genetic markers associated with individual telomeres would provide the boundaries for genetic maps.

In view of this, availability of a molecular marker representing the telomeric sequence, will be a great help in preparing genetic and physical maps in eukaryotes. This telomeric sequence has been found to be a six nucleotide sequence that is repeated in the telomeric region over and over again without mistake.

The sequence has been isolated in Arabidopsis, Homo sapiens, Tetrahymena, Paramecium, Oxytricha, Saccharomyces, etc. and is G-and-C; rich with a general formula (T or A) m(G)n, which is (TTAGGG)n in humans.