Use of RAPD markers to determine the genetic relationships among sturgeons (Acipenseridae, Pisces).

RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) analysis was utilized to identify six sturgeon species. Amplifications with eight different primersgave reproducible electrophoretic patterns which could be regarded asa data-set consisting of monomorphic and polymorphic characters. Someof these characters were species-specific. Band-sharing analysis and numerical taxonomy methods allowed us to generate a phenetic tree. Ourresults provided evidence that RAPD markers can be used to discriminate species of sturgeons and indicated new possible systematic considerations within the examined taxa, in agreement with their geographical distribution and their inhabitancy system.