What is a genetic marker used for?

A genetic marker is a specific sequence of DNA that can be identified and used for various purposes in genetics and biotechnology. The primary use of genetic markers is to identify individuals or species, as they often exhibit variability that can be used to distinguish between different genetic make-ups. This can include identifying unique traits within a population, determining ancestry, or establishing lineage in breeding programs.

In research and clinical settings, genetic markers also play a crucial role in mapping genomes, understanding genetic diversity within populations, and tracking inheritance patterns of particular traits. Their applications extend to fields like forensic science and conservation biology where distinguishing between individuals or species is especially important.

While genetic markers can aid in the diagnosis of certain diseases, they are not limited to this function, which is why the other options do not fully capture the broad utility of genetic markers in genetics and biotechnology.