Biotechnology and Bioinformatics (1+1)

4.2.1.2. DNA Fingerprinting

DNA Fingerprinting technique can be used as a powerful marker system in identification in fisheries.

i) Used to verify the identity of cultured cell lines and various lines of clonal fishes, including those obtained by gyno gene sis and androgenesis.

ii) Useful as tools in demographic analysis of fish population. Their parents can be identified. i.e., identification of individuals and pedigree.

iii) The fragments detected by DNA fingerprinting can also be used in gene linkage analysis. If a commercially important gene tightly linked to a fingerprinting marker, the transmission of the gene can be determined by inspection of the marker. This will be of great value in genetic improvement of fish.

iv) Fish pathogens can be identified. .

v) Individual specific pattern have been observed in rainbow trout (O. mykiss), Atlantic salmon, chum salmon (O. keta), coho salmon (O. kisutch) with M13 phage or probe s.

vi) Useful in annexing paternal genetic contribution in gynogenetic fish.

vii) Assessment of inbreeding rates,

viii) to study the action of specific genes,

ix) as genetic markers to identify individuals and family groups and the labelling of broodstocks to secure ownership property.