Chambers G K, MacAvoy E S
Institute for Molecular Systematics, School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University, Wellington, New Zealand.
Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol. 2000 Aug;126(4):455-76. doi: 10.1016/s0305-0491(00)00233-9.
Microsatellite DNA loci have recently been adopted for many biological applications. Comparative studies across a wide range of species has revealed many details of their mutational properties and evolutionary life cycles. Experience shows that a full understanding of these processes is essential to ensure the effective use of microsatellites as analytical tools. In this article, we review the controversies that have arisen as biologists have taken up this new technology and the emerging consensus that has resulted from their debates. We point to the need for comparative DNA sequencing studies to produce input data for a new generation of theoretical models of microsatellite behaviour. We conclude by presenting our own conceptual model, 'Snakes and Ladders', as an aid to theory development.
微卫星DNA位点最近已被应用于许多生物学领域。对多种物种的比较研究揭示了它们突变特性和进化生命周期的许多细节。经验表明，全面了解这些过程对于确保有效利用微卫星作为分析工具至关重要。在本文中，我们回顾了生物学家采用这项新技术时出现的争议以及他们辩论后形成的新共识。我们指出需要进行比较DNA测序研究，为新一代微卫星行为理论模型提供输入数据。最后，我们提出自己的概念模型“蛇梯棋”，以辅助理论发展。
