Feature | Markers | |||
Phenotypic | Biochemical | Molecular | Cytogenetic | |
Description | Visual morphological indicators | Biochemical molecules, like proteins (e.g., isoenzymes), metabolites (e.g., carbohydrates) | DNA fragments of known locations on the chromosome | Chromosome structure —visible by microscopy |
Examples | Colour, shape and size of flowers, seeds, or leaves | Isoenzyme gene loci | SNP, SSR or microsatellites, RAPD, AFLP | FISH, GISH |
Genomic coverage | Low | Low | High | Average |
Specialized equipment requirement | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Cost-intensiveness | Low | Average | High | High |