Identification and characterization of microorganisms: DNA-fingerprinting methods

Abstract

Identification and classification of the microorganisms are of utmost importance in the field of environmental, industrial,medical and agricultural microbiology, and microbial ecology. Traditional phenotype-based methods encounter manychallenges and shortcomings which limit their usability. Molecular methods offer better solutions in identifying and characterizing microorganisms. Several DNA fingerprinting methods have been developed and are in use already. In principle, mostof these methods are based on PCR and restriction site analysis. Some of these methods are still not economic in use andrequire huge set-up cost. Continuous research is going on around the world to improve the methodology and applicability ofthese methods as well as to make them economic in use.

Keywords

• fingerprinting
• RFLP
• SSCP
• RAPD
• MLST
• PFGE