Genetic tools: the use of biochemical and molecular markers.

Abstract Several types of genetic marker are available to forest conservation geneticists, including isozymes, terpenes, restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs), microsatellites, random amplified polymorphic DNAs (RAPDs) and amplification fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs). The techniques underlying these markers are explained in terms that are accessible to those unfamiliar with molecular biology. The strengths and weaknesses of the various marker systems are elucidated via comparison. Guidelines are given for choosing the appropriate markers for particular applications in conservation genetics.