AFLP and Its Application in Zoological Research

The AFLP (amplified fragment length polymorphism) technique is based on the selective PCR amplification of restriction fragments from a total digested genomic DNA. The technique involves three steps: restriction of the DNA and ligation of oligonucleotide adapters, selective amplification of sets of restricted fragments, and gel analysis of the amplified fragments. The fragments generated by AFLP are dominant and powerful DNA molecular markers for polymorphism detection. This method is applicable to any organism without prior knowledge of its genomic makeup. Some modifications of the method have been adopted since the appearance of AFLP. In this review, we will briefly introduce the application of AFLP to the study of generating linkage maps, QTL (quantitative trait loci) mapping, genetic variation, sex determination, breed behavior, disease and disease diagnoses with examples from nematodes, insects, fishes, birds, domestic animals, rats and humans.