Untitled Use of Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA Analysis in a Population Genetics Study of Crayfish Rachel M. Kerestes Summer 1997 The detection of genetic variation is essential to a wide range of comparative research endeavors including population genetics.
Most variation is seen in polymorphic patterns at the DNA or protein level.
Although effective, these methods have limita-tions. RFLP analysis requires large amounts of DNA, and cloned probes specific to an organism or group. Thus, the use of RAPD analysis is the focus of this genetic survey of the local population of crayfish, Orconectes rusticus. Orconectes rusticus, specifically, is identified by its large claws and their distinctive rust colored tips. O. rusticus inhabits freshwater environments similar to Mount Holyoke's Stony Brook.