Crayfish Paternity Analysis Using AFLPs

Amplified fragment length polymorphisms are a PCR-based genetic tool used to mark the presence or absence of alleles in a DNA sample. This tool has typically been used for genetic analysis in plants, but research is now being done to see if it is a reliable source for paternity analysis in animals. Samples of Orconectes limosus were collected from Quinebaug River during a previous study and mated to produce offspring. A blind AFLP analysis was conducted to see if juveniles from known mothers could be matched to their appropriate fathers. The correct father was determined in two of five families. Acknowledgements This project was made possible with the help of many others. I would like to express my gratitude to my advisors, Professors Lauren Mathews and Michael Buckholt, for the assistance throughout this project. I would also like to thank a fellow WPI student, Oliver Hammond, who wrote the analysis program for this MQP.