Gene tagging using molecular markers

M.R. Meena Gene is an entity responsible for expression of traits in an individual. Gene tagging is identification of molecular markers linked to the gene of interest. Tagging for simply inherited traits and polygenic traits through markers has immense importance in plant breeding. Simply inherited traits are which are qualitative and governed by one or few gene hence show discreet variation. Whereas, polygenic traits are governed by many gene (quantitative) and influences the expression of traits shows continuation variation. Steps in gene tagging using molecular markers: 1. Selection of the parents: selection of parent should be more diverse and clearly distinguishable with respect to the traits of interest so that its inheritance as well as segregation can be easily traced. 2. Identification of polymorphic markers: select the markers which can differentiate clearly in parents should be highly polymorphic in nature and its should cover the whole genome of individuals. The polymorphic markers can be identified is used in Bulk Segregation analysis to detect the polymorphism for concerned trait. Once polymorphism identify its can be used in genotyping individual plants. 3. Development of mapping population: its is necessary to have highly structured mapping population in order to identify inheritance pattern for both traits and markers. Usually, most commonly used mapping populations are F2, F2:3, BC, RIL, DH and NIL etc. The choice of population depends upon the type of plant species and traits to be mapped. 4. Genotyping of the mapping population: Phenotying of the population: by using already indentify polymorphic markers; genotyping of each plant is done properly after extraction of DNA, purification and quantification followed by gel electrophoresis in order to study the inheritance of marker and traits together. 5. Phenotyping of the mapping population: Rigorous phenotyping should be done carefully separately for each plant in mapping population. If phenotyping not done properly its end with improper results. 6. Associatiating phenotype data with genotypic data : After completing the genotyping and Phenotying of the parent and mapping population both needs to be correlated properly. It can be done manually for smaller population and by software for larger population. Both values are compared to identify the recombinant type. Once such type identified recombinant frequencies were calculated and the order of marker is also calculated using two and three point test cross. Map distance is measured in cM. 7. Validation of identified markers: if identify maker gives useful information in varieties other than where it identify, it will have practical utility for plant breeders to test the other population for traits concerned.