Molecular marker and its application in aquaculture: New opportunities and challenges

Abstract

Genetic variation in a species enhances the capability of an organism to adapt to changing environment and is necessary for the survival of the species. Genetic variation arises between individuals leading to differentiation at the level of population, species and higher-order taxonomic groups. The genetic diversity data have varied application in research on evolution, conservation, genetic improvement programmes and management of nature and natural resources. Molecular genetic markers can be used as powerful tools to detect genetic studies of individuals, populations or species. These molecular markers combined with new statistical developments have revolutionized the analytical power, necessary to explore the genetic diversity. Molecular markers and their statistical analysis revolutionized the analytical power, necessary to explore the genetic diversity. Various molecular markers, DNA (mt-DNA or nuclear DNA such as microsatellites, SNP or RAPD) or protein are now being used in aquaculture and fisheries. These markers provide various scientific observations which have importance in aquaculture practice recently such as 1) Species Identification 2) Comparison between wild and hatchery populations 3) Genetic variation and population structure study in natural populations 4) Assessment of demographic bottleneck in natural population 5) Propagation assisted rehabilitation programmes.