UTILITY OF RANDOM AMPLIFICATION OF POLYMORPHIC DNA -POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION (RAPD-PCR) IN BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES

Seminar Presentation Abstract

Mahendra Chaudhary

22nd Dec ,2006

This presentation focuses on random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique and its utility in biological research .PCR, an in vitro replication of DNA, is used to amplify specific DNA fragments by a repeating cycle of denaturation, annealing and extension in an automated thermal cycler [1]. RAPD-PCR, a variation of general PCR where forward and reverse primers are used to amplify specific DNA segment, is used to amplify an unknown segment of DNA flanked by a single arbitrary primer [2] that is able to anneal and prime at multiple locations throughout the genome. Thus, a spectrum of amplified products is obtained on agarose gel electrophoresis characteristic to the chromosome of the organism. RAPD-PCR can be used to develop genome fingerprinting and, thus, high- resolution genetic maps for those organisms whose genetic markers are not known [3]. Hence, the technique can be used in forensic analysis. A series of RAPD primers can be used to develop RAPD markers useful to further categorize a given species. RAPD -PCR has been successfully used to detect genetic variation among Bacillus thuriengiensis serovars [4] and has been used to assay genetic diseases[5].

References:
1. Padmalatha k and Prasad MNV, (2006).Optimization of DNA isolation and PCR protocol for RAPD analysis of selected medicinal and aromatic plants of conservation concern from Peninsular India. African Journal of Biotechnology, 5(3), 230-234.

2. Singh BD, (1998). Recombinant DNA Technology In: Biotechnology, Kalyani Publishers, 28-36.

3. Mitchelson KR, Drenth J, Doung H, et al, (1999). Direct Sequencing of RAPD fragments Using 3' - extended oligonucleotide primers dye terminator cycle -sequencing. Nucleic Acid Research, 27(19), e28.

4. Adelaida M, Gaviri R and Priest FG, (2003). Molecular Typing of Bacillus thuringiensis Serovars by RAPD-PCR. System. Appl. Microbiol. 26, 254-261.

5. Olivier M, Meehi MA, and Lust G, (1999). RAPD Sequences as Markers for CanineGenetic Studies. The Amecian Genetic Association, 90, 78-82.