Random amplification of polymorphic DNA

[2] The scientist performing RAPD creates several arbitrary, short primers (10–12 nucleotides), then proceeds with the PCR using a large template of genomic DNA, hoping that fragments will amplify.

Its resolving power is much lower than targeted, species-specific DNA comparison methods, such as short tandem repeats.

In recent years, RAPD has been used to characterize, and trace, the phylogeny of diverse plant and animal species.

RAPD markers are decamer (10 nucleotides long) DNA fragments from PCR amplification of random segments of genomic DNA with a single primer of arbitrary nucleotide sequence and which are able to differentiate between genetically distinct individuals, although not necessarily in a reproducible way.

The differing sizes created through random amplification will separate along the gel in a repeatable manner depending on the sample source.