Marker assisted selection (MAS) is an indirect selection process where a trait of interest is selected, not based on the trait itself, but on a marker linked to it.

However, if the gene of interest is not known, markers linked to the gene of interest can still be used to select for individuals with desirable alleles of the gene of interest.

In such an approach, in the first few breeding cycles, markers linked to the trait of interest are identified by QTL mapping and later the same information in used in the same population.

Finding a marker linked to such an illness is thus the cruel equivalent of an extended death sentence.

Because of technical breakthroughs like the polymerase chain reaction, which multiplies tiny samples of DNA into analyzable quantities, researchers are getting awfully good at identifying genetic markers linked to various traits.

Furthermore, his studies on markers linked to the mitochondrial DNA, the Y chromosome, several nuclear genes and VNTRs have contributed to the understanding of the genetic diversity of the Amerindian populations, the relationship with the founder populations, and the black Brazilian populations.

"The discovery of genetic markers linked to NF dramatically enhances our prospects of identifying the defect that causes the disorder," said Dr. Bernd R. Seizinger, the lead author of a new report on the research.

Researchers have identified seven genetic markers linked with a woman's breast size, according to a new study.

RFLP analyses were performed to identify markers closely linked to the Dgt gene (Figure 1).

Unfortunately, the chances of this occurring will be high, since microarrays as described in Marker already exist, with the ability to test with ease for literally thousands of markers linked to deleterious genes with a single drop of blood.