Development and Application of Molecular Map
Due: February 28, 2008, in class; (note: 25% penalty for late papers)
Molecular maps are crucial tools for plant molecular genetics research. Therefore it is important for you to study the development of such a molecular map in great detail. You can study any species, but it probably make sense to work on the species upon which you are doing your research. In this review you are describe:
- The Importance of Molecular Map: Why are molecular maps important? What type of research questions can be addressed specifically with a molecular map and how can the molecular map be applied to address other research questions?
- The Marker System: You must select a modern molecular marker system (not RFLP or RAPD). This could be either SSR, gene-based (also called transcript map or sometimes EST map), TRAP or SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism). First describe this type of marker system in detail. Then provide the specific details researchers used to develop the markers for the map you are detailing.
- The Mapping Population: The selection of appropriate parents is essential for a mapping. Describe the relationale that one should use when developing a molecular map and provide examples from several species. Then describe in detail the parents used for the mapping project your are focusing upon. There are different types of mapping populations. Describe why, for example, a research would use a F2 or a recombinant inbred population as theire mappinig population. Specifically, what are the advantages and disadvantages of each. Then describe in detail the mapping population that you are focusing upon.
- The Map: First describe the specific technical details used to map the members of the population. Then provide a detailed explanation of the method used to determine number of linkage groups and the ordering of loci on each linkage group.
- Application of the Molecular Map: You should conclude your paper by describing how the molecular map has been used in subsequent research. If the map has not been used in other research, you are to describe two experiments for the which the map could be used.
You must make sure that your review is current. I will check to see if you are using the most current literature. Research has been abundant in this field in the past few years. Therefore it is best that you prepare a very current review.
Format
- Length: Body: 4 pages (maximum); title and name should be at the top of the first page
- References: A separate reference page is required. Select a journal and use the reference style from that journal. The maximum number of WWW sources is one.
- Spacing:0.5" indent for each paragraph; each paragraph single spaced; a double-space between each paragraph
- Printing: Laser
- Margins: One inch on each side. (Note: MS Word default is 1.25 inch; if you do not know how to adjust the margins seek help from somone.)
- Font: Times Roman, 12 pt