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Genetic markers are DNA sequences with known physical locations on chromosomes. They are points of variation that can be used to identify individuals or species, or may be used to associate an inherited disease with a gene through genetic linkage with nearby but possibly unidentified or uncharacterised genes. Examples include single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and minisatellites.
The first complete cycad genome offers an invaluable solution to sex determination, one of the largest conservation challenges in these enigmatic plants.