Chromosome mapping using DNA probes: a case study (chromosome 11) and future possibilities

Recombinant DNA technology has greatly facilitated the mapping of human chromosomes. Somatic cell hybrid analysis, in situ hybridization, and linkage analysis are the major methods of gene mapping. Restriction endonuclease analysis and DNA hybridization techniques create new potentials for old methods, and the human gene map is becoming more dense with mapped loci at an ever quickening pace. The major usefulness of the saturation of the gene map with DNA polymorphic markers is that one can localize and study unknown genes responsible for common genetic disorders.