Abstract:

Biodiversity is one of the key and the popular subjects of the modern ecological research. Genetic diversity is the foundation and the most important element of biodiversity. With the development of molecular bio-technology, more and more methods have been applied in genetic diversity research. The technique of Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA(RAPD) markers, with its particular advantages,has became an important research means in this field. The research of genetic diversity of rare and endangered plants contributes great to their conservation. The paper described the principle and characteristics of RAPD,and reviewed the application of this technique in research of genetic diversity of rare and endangered plants. The prospect on studying and protecting the rare and endangered plants by RAPD was also advised.

Key words: Rare and endangered plants, Genetic diversity, RAPD, Application