How Do You Spell MARKER-ASSISTED SELECTION?

Pronunciation: [mˈɑːkəɹɐsˈɪstɪd sɪlˈɛkʃən] (IPA)

Marker-assisted selection is a scientific method used in breeding plants and animals. The phonetic transcription of this word is /ˈmɑːrkər əˈsɪstɪd səˈlɛkʃən/. The first syllable, "mark", is pronounced with a long "a" sound, while the second syllable, "er", is pronounced with a neutral schwa sound. The word "assisted" uses the short "i" sound in the second syllable. Lastly, "selection" is pronounced with the stress on the second syllable and has a short "e" sound in the first syllable followed by a schwa sound.

MARKER-ASSISTED SELECTION Meaning and Definition

  1. Marker-assisted selection (MAS) is a plant or animal breeding technique that involves the utilization of molecular markers to assist in the selection of desirable traits in offspring. It is a method that combines traditional breeding strategies with the advancements in molecular genetics.

    MAS relies on identifying genetic markers, which are DNA sequences located near or within genes associated with specific traits of interest. These markers can be easily detected using various DNA analysis techniques, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing.

    The process of MAS involves three main steps. Firstly, a population of plants or animals is genotyped to determine the presence or absence of specific markers associated with certain traits. Secondly, the individuals with desired marker patterns are selected for further breeding. Lastly, the selected individuals are bred, and their offspring are evaluated to determine if they possess the desired traits.

    MAS offers several benefits over traditional breeding methods. It allows breeders to accurately track and select for specific traits without the need for time-consuming and costly phenotypic evaluation. This technique is particularly useful for traits that are difficult to evaluate visually or for those with a long generation time.

    Marker-assisted selection has been successfully used in various fields, including agriculture and animal husbandry, to enhance desirable characteristics such as yield, disease resistance, and quality. It has significantly expedited breeding programs and contributed to the development of improved crop varieties and animal breeds.

Etymology of MARKER-ASSISTED SELECTION

The etymology of the term "marker-assisted selection" can be broken down as follows:

1. Marker: In this context, a marker refers to a genetic marker, which is a known characteristic or feature of DNA that can be used to identify the presence or absence of certain genes or traits within an organism. These markers can be physical manifestations or specific sequences of DNA.

2. Assisted: The term "assisted" implies that these genetic markers are used as tools or aids in the process of selection.

3. Selection: Selection refers to the process of choosing or selecting certain individuals or organisms with desired traits for breeding or further propagation. In this case, marker-assisted selection refers to the use of genetic markers to guide the selection of organisms with specific traits.

Therefore, the term "marker-assisted selection" combines the use of genetic markers as tools to assist in the selection of individuals or organisms with desired traits.