LINKAGE AND GENE MAPPING WITH MOLECULAR MARKERS

Author: Lucy Chen

Editors: Jasleen Matharu and Peggy Yang

Artist: Lalita Ma

Are you interested in the science behind genetics and predicting the genes for future generations of living organisms? If so, this article is for you as it dives deep into the topic of genetics and more specifically, how molecular markers are used in gene mapping. It even includes a discussion over mutations in species. Keep on reading to learn more!

Microsatellites are found in the genomes of all living organisms, from bacteria to plants and humans. They are a type of "molecular marker" used in forensics, population genetics, sickness diagnosis, and linkage mapping, among other things. For example, if a fascinating new phenotype is identified, the site of the mutation responsible for the phenotype may be mapped to aid in the determination