Development and use of DNA probes in mapping insect genomes

Classical genetic mapping has relied on the use of morphological, biochemical and DNA variation (restriction fragment length polymorphisms) to establish linkage relationships between loci in order to construct genetic maps. This genetic analysis has been complemented by a cytological component. Recent advances in molecular biological techniques will revolutionize the manner and the speed with which genetic maps can be constructed. The 'motor' of this revolution is the polymerase chain reaction. The paper concentrates on two techniques which are now available, namely, microsatellites and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), by providing an explanation of the principles involved together with examples of their use. A comparative assessment is made of the two approaches and some emphasis given to their use as tools for mapping specific genes. (author). 26 refs, 5 figs