Application of the random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique to the identification and classification of Dunaliella species

Dumliella is a genus of green microalga. It is an important organism for the study of osmoregulation and is cultured for the production of p-carotene. The classification of Dumliella species is not clear, especially because the morphological characters are changeable under different culture conditions. As a first step to providing an improved method for identification and classification, a DNA fingerprinting method called Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) assay was applied to three Dimaliella species, D. tertiolecta, D. salina, and D. viridis. A method for extraction of DNA from DunaRella was developed and the parameters that determine the RAPD pattern were assessed. RAPD patterns specific to each of the three Dimaliella species were demonstrated.