Genome fingerprinting of the silkworm, Bombyx mori, using random arbitrary primers

The random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique was used to study DNA profiling of thirteen silkworm genotypes. The genotypes included six diapausing and seven nondiapausing varieties that represent a high degree of divergence with respect to geographic origin, and morphological, qualitative, quantitative and biochemical characters. Two hundred sixteen amplified products were generated using 40 random primers. Genotype-specific amplification products were identified. Amplification products specific to diapausing genotypes were also identified. Segregation of the RAPD marker was analyzed in a backcross population and found to be inherited as dominant Mendelian traits. Based on pairwise comparison of amplified products, the genetic similarity was performed by a hierarchical clustering technique. Silkworm genotypes were clustered into two groups, one consisting of six diapausing and the other of seven nondiapausing genotypes. The results of our study suggest that the RAPD technique could be used as a powerful tool to generate genetic markers that are linked to traits of interest in the silkworm.