MARKER ASSITED SELECTION

==Gene Markers== [image:http://i.imgur.com/zuecRmr.png?1] Gene Markers are regions of DNA that are closely associated with the inheritance of a particular trait. The gene markers are generally DNA sequences that are linked very close to the gene that is responsible for the trait. Because the marker and the gene are so close together it is unlikely that crossing over (recombination) will occur between them and they are frequently inherited together. [image:http://i.imgur.com/dwM3QCj.png] Marker assisted selection involves generating a DNA profile using probes to specific markers that are known to be associated with a desired trait. These markers are often the RFLPs and VNTRS that are generated by [https://www.pathwayz.org/Tree/Plain/1009 DNA profiling]. Marker assisted selection has some significant advantages over traditional methods of selection. There may be more than one marker associated with a desirable trait. This is because many traits are influenced by more than one gene. By breeding these individuals it may be possible to produce animals with a combination of these markers and further improve the desired phenotype. Some individuals with a desirable phenotype might also possess a hidden recessive allele for a serious genetic disorder. If there is a genetic marker that is known to be associated with the recessive disease causing allele, breeders can identify and avoid mating these silent carriers of the disease.