Question

The properties of RAPD Marker are:
(A). Dominant Marker
(B). Single Primer
(C). Specific and target band
(D). Low annealing temperature
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. (A), (B) and (C) only.
• B. (A), (B) and (D) only.
• C. (A), (C) and (D) only.
• D. (B), (C) and (D) only.

Hint:

Remember: RAPD uses a single, short (10 bp) random primer, which requires a low annealing temperature for PCR, and yields dominant markers.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) is a PCR-based molecular marker technique used to analyze genetic variation.
It uses short, arbitrary primers to amplify random segments of genomic DNA, producing distinct banding patterns without requiring prior sequence information.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us evaluate each property of RAPD markers:
- Dominant Marker (A): RAPD markers are dominant.
They detect the presence or absence of an amplification product but cannot distinguish between homozygous dominant (two copies of the band-producing locus) and heterozygous states (one copy).
Therefore, (A) is correct.
- Single Primer (B): Unlike standard PCR, which uses a pair of forward and reverse primers, RAPD assays use a single, short (typically 10-base-pair) primer of arbitrary sequence.
Therefore, (B) is correct.
- Specific and target band (C): RAPD primers are arbitrary and bind randomly across the genome.
They do not target specific, predetermined genes or loci.
Therefore, (C) is incorrect.
- Low annealing temperature (D): Because the arbitrary primers are short (10 bp), they have low melting temperatures.
To allow stable primer binding during PCR cycles, a low annealing temperature (typically between \(35^\circ\text{C}\) and \(40^\circ\text{C}\)) must be used.
Therefore, (D) is correct.
Thus, the correct properties are (A), (B), and (D).

Step 3: Final Answer:
Hence, the correct option is (B).