RAPD-SCAR Markers: An Interface Tool for Authentication of Traits

Abstract

The versatility of the PCR technique is that several kinds of primers can be explored for genome analysis depending on the purpose of study. The easy to access and low cost PCR-based markers include Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD). The RAPD markers are easy to develop but lack of reproducibility makes it less reliable and obstacles to their further use in authentication of traits. In addition, other PCR and non PCR based markers like Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP), Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) and Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) are also employed in authentication of traits with certain restrictions vis-à-vis use of radioactive materials, high cost and requirement of sequence information etc. Therefore, this problem can be overcome by converting RAPD markers to more robust sequence characterized amplified regions i.e. SCAR markers. SCARs are locus specific, co-dominant in nature and amplified by PCR using specific 15 - 30 bp DNA fragments. For developing SCAR markers, primers are designed from the nucleotide sequences of a cloned RAPD fragments linked to a trait of interest. SCAR markers are easy to develop and reliable tools for DNA fingerprinting. This mini review is an attempt to summarize efficacy of RAPD-SCAR interface in authentication of traits.