Which of the following techniques would allow a researcher to determine the genetic relatedness between two samples of DNA?
a. Inverse PCR
b. Reverse transcriptase PCR
c. Overlap PCR
d. Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA
Correct Answer: ✅ (d) Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA
Explanation
Determining genetic relatedness between two DNA samples requires a technique that identifies variations or polymorphisms in the DNA sequences. Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) is a powerful method for comparing DNA samples and assessing genetic diversity because it detects genetic polymorphisms using randomly designed primers.
🔬 1. What is Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD)?
- RAPD is a PCR-based technique used to amplify random segments of genomic DNA using short, arbitrary primers.
- It identifies polymorphisms (genetic variations) between samples by generating a unique set of DNA fragments (or bands) after PCR amplification.
- Differences in the banding patterns are analyzed to determine the degree of genetic similarity or divergence between two DNA samples.
✅ 2. Why the Other Options Are Incorrect
| Option | Explanation | True/False |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Inverse PCR | Used for amplifying sequences flanking a known region of DNA, not for determining genetic relatedness. | ❌ False |
| (b) Reverse transcriptase PCR | Used for amplifying RNA by reverse transcribing it into cDNA, not for assessing genetic relatedness. | ❌ False |
| (c) Overlap PCR | Used for joining two DNA fragments with overlapping sequences, not for determining relatedness. | ❌ False |
| (d) Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) | Detects polymorphisms by generating unique DNA fragment patterns, which helps compare genetic diversity. | ✅ True |
🧪 3. How RAPD Works
✅ Step 1: Primer Selection
- Short (usually 10 base pairs) and arbitrary primers are used.
- The primers bind to multiple random sites in the genome.
✅ Step 2: PCR Amplification
- PCR amplifies the fragments where primers have successfully bound.
- Amplification creates multiple DNA fragments of varying lengths.
✅ Step 3: Gel Electrophoresis
- The amplified fragments are separated using agarose gel electrophoresis.
- Each sample produces a distinct banding pattern based on its genetic makeup.
✅ Step 4: Band Comparison
- Band patterns from different DNA samples are compared.
- Similar patterns indicate genetic similarity; differences suggest genetic divergence.
🏆 4. Why RAPD is Effective for Genetic Relatedness
✅ Polymorphisms – RAPD identifies variations at multiple loci across the genome.
✅ Random Binding – Since primers are random, the patterns reflect unique genetic differences.
✅ Cost-Effective – RAPD does not require prior sequence knowledge.
✅ Wide Application – Useful in plant breeding, evolutionary studies, and population genetics.
🌟 5. Applications of RAPD
✅ 1. Genetic Mapping:
- Creating genetic linkage maps for plants and animals.
✅ 2. Evolutionary Studies:
- Comparing genetic diversity within and between species.
✅ 3. Population Genetics:
- Determining genetic structure and gene flow in populations.
✅ 4. Breeding and Agriculture:
- Identifying desirable traits in crops.
🌡️ 6. Limitations of RAPD
❌ Low Reproducibility – Banding patterns can vary between experiments.
❌ Dominant Markers – RAPD cannot distinguish between homozygous and heterozygous loci.
❌ Short Primers – The short primer length increases the risk of non-specific binding.
🔎 7. How RAPD Differs from Other PCR Techniques
| Technique | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Standard PCR | Amplify known DNA sequences. |
| Inverse PCR | Amplify DNA regions flanking a known sequence. |
| RT-PCR | Detect gene expression by converting RNA to cDNA. |
| Overlap PCR | Join two DNA fragments with overlapping regions. |
| RAPD | Assess genetic diversity and relatedness between samples. |
Summary
- RAPD is a powerful method for analyzing genetic relatedness between DNA samples.
- It generates unique banding patterns through random primer binding and PCR amplification.
- Differences in band patterns reflect genetic differences and relatedness.
- ✅ Correct Answer: (d) Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA



72 Comments
Akshay mahawar
March 17, 2025Done 👍
Suman bhakar
March 20, 2025✅
Mahima Sharma
August 24, 2025Rapd (random amplified polymorphic dna
Parul
March 23, 2025Done sir
Ujjwal
March 26, 2025✔️👍
Soniya Shekhawat
August 24, 2025RAPD PCR is used for genetical diversity and relatedenss the two species.
Khushi Pareek
August 24, 2025RAPD
Mohd juber Ali
August 24, 2025RAPD PCR
Use arbitrary primer (short primer) for Amplifying random segment of genomic DNA also used to relate two different dna sample the sequence is unknown
Sakshi yadav
August 24, 2025RAPD – PCR for the realatdenes of DNA samples and the sequence of target DNA is not known
Arushi Saini
August 24, 2025RAPD
Mansukh Kapoor
August 24, 2025The correct answer is option 4th
Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD)
It used for genetical diversity and relatedness the two species
Avni
August 24, 2025(d) Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) because it detects polymorphisms by generating unique DNA fragment patterns, which helps compare genetic diversity
Neha Yadav
August 24, 2025RAPD- PCR Technique used for comparing the genetic diversity
Roopal Sharma
August 24, 2025Random amplification of polymorphic dna help in recognising genetic diversity and relatedness btw dna
karishma don
August 24, 2025genetic similarity or difference is seen by the gel bands by RAPD after giving short primers
Khushi Agarwal
August 24, 2025Correct answer is RAPD
Anurag Giri
August 24, 2025Ans d
Bcoz Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) is a powerful method for comparing DNA samples and assessing genetic diversity
Aafreen Khan
August 24, 2025Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA helps to compare genetic diversity. It detects genetic polymorphisms using randomly designed primers.
Dharmpal Swami
August 24, 2025RAPD -which help compare genetic diversity
Aakanksha Sharma
August 24, 2025Rapd
Dipti Sharma
August 24, 2025RAPD Detects polymorphisms by generating unique DNA fragment patterns.
Priyanka Choudhary
August 24, 2025Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA_ help of comppare genetic diversity
Karishma
August 24, 2025Rapd
HIMANI FAUJDAR
August 24, 2025Ans RAPD( Random amplified polymorphism DNA) help in compare of genetic diversity.
Priya dhakad
August 24, 2025Detects polymorphisms by generating unique DNA fragment patterns, which helps compare genetic diversity.so RAPD is used.
AKANKSHA RAJPUT
August 24, 2025(d) Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD)
anjani sharma
August 24, 2025Detects polymorphisms by generating unique DNA fragment patterns, which helps compare genetic diversity.
Answer 4
Sneha Kumawat
August 24, 2025Rapd determining genetic relatedness between two DNA samples
Heena Mahlawat
August 24, 2025Rapd produces unique dna patterns to compare
Tanvi Panwar
August 24, 2025RAPD helps in recognising genetic relatedness in DNA.
MOHIT AKHAND
August 24, 2025Done sir ✅
Ayush Dubey
August 24, 2025Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD)
Santosh Saini
August 24, 2025RAPD for detection of DNA by generating unique DNA fragments pattern (low stringency) which helps compare genetic diversity , and Short primer (Arbitrary) are used in RAPD PCR
Neelam Sharma
August 24, 2025Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD)
It used for genetical diversity and relatedness the two species
Aman Choudhary
August 24, 2025RAPD helps in compare genetic diversity
Bharti Yadav
August 24, 2025Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA used for relatedness of two species and genetical diversity
Bhawna Choudhary
August 24, 2025RAPD is the correct answer
Priyanka Verma
August 24, 2025RAPD is correct answer because it detects genetic polymorphisms using randomly designed primers.
Monika jangid
August 24, 2025Rapd is a method for comparing samples
Varsha Tatla
August 25, 2025Rapd
Divya rani
August 25, 2025D is the answer because polymorphism of different DNA sequence are compared with the help of RAPD and AFLP pcr.
shruti sharma
August 25, 2025RAdP
Payal Gaur
August 25, 2025Genetic difference and relatedness is identify by RAPD (random amplified of polymorphic DNA)and short primer (arbitrary primer) used in RAPD.
Bhavana kankhedia
August 26, 2025Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA
Surendra Doodi
August 26, 2025RAPD is a PCR-based technique used to amplify random segments of genomic DNA using short, arbitrary primers.
Vanshika Sharma
August 26, 2025RAPD is uses for genetic diversity and relatedness
Minal Sethi
August 26, 2025RAPD helps in determining genetic relatedness and polymorphism in the DNA sequences
Shivani
August 26, 2025RAPD pcr.
Manisha
August 26, 2025Done ✅
Rishita
August 26, 2025RAPD
Alec
August 26, 2025Randomly amplified polymorphic dna (RAPD) is used to compare dna samples for relatedness and genetic diversity.
Devika
August 26, 2025RAPD
Simran Saini
August 26, 2025Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA.
Seema
August 27, 2025Done
Rakesh Dhaka
August 27, 2025RAPD PCR
Sakshi Kanwar
August 27, 2025RAPD random amplified polymorphic DNA compare relatedness and genetic diversity
Mitali saini
August 28, 2025Correct Answer: ✅ (d) Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA
Mitali saini
August 28, 2025Correct Answer: (d) Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA
Kanica Sunwalka
August 28, 2025rapd
Nilofar Khan
August 28, 2025Correct answer is d.
Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA.
Komal Sharma
August 28, 2025Determining genetic relatedness between two DNA samples requires a technique that identifies variations or polymorphisms in the DNA sequences. Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD)
Deepika Sheoran
August 28, 2025Option D is correct
RAPD(Random Amplified polymorphic DNA)
Detects genetic polymorphisms using Randomly designed Primers..
Kajal
August 28, 2025Genetic relatedness between 2sample of dna will be identified by the random amplification of polymorphic dna so option b is correct
Neeraj Sharma
August 28, 2025RAPD
Anisha Beniwal
August 28, 2025Option D is correct
Khushi Vaishnav
August 28, 2025Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD)
Asha Gurzzar
August 30, 2025D is correct rapd random amplified polymorphic dna
Khushi Singh
August 30, 2025RAPD
Sonam Saini
August 30, 2025option d is right
Kajal
August 31, 2025Correct Answer is (d) Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA
Konika Naval
August 31, 2025Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA
Muskan Yadav
September 8, 2025Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA is correct