RAPD-Based Genetic Linkage Maps of Tribolium castaneum

A genetic map of the red flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum) integrating molecular with morphological markers was constructed using a backcross population of 147 siblings. The map defines 10 linkage groups (LGs), presumably corresponding to the 10 chromosomes, and consists of 122 randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers, six molecular markers representing identified genes, and five morphological markers. The total map length is 570 cM, giving an average marker resolution of 4.3 cM. The average physical distance per genetic distance was estimated at 350 kb/cM. A cluster of loci showing distorted segregation was detected on LG9. The process of converting RAPD markers to sequence-tagged site markers was initiated: 18 RAPD markers were cloned and sequenced, and single-strand conformational polymorphisms were identified for 4 of the 18. The map positions of all 4 coincided with those of the parent RAPD markers.