Identification and classification o

Identification and classification of the microorganisms are of utmost importance in the field of environmental, industrial, medical and agricultural microbiology, and microbial ecology. Traditional phenotype-based methods encounter many challenges and shortcomings which limit their usability. Molecular methods offer better solutions in identifying and characterizing microorganisms. Several DNA fingerprinting methods have been developed and are in use already. In principle, most of these methods are based on PCR and restriction site analysis. Some of these methods are still not economic in use and require huge set-up cost. Continuous research is going on around the world to improve the methodology and applicability of these methods as well as to make them economic in use. Keywords: fingerprinting, RFLP, SSCP, RAPD, MLST, PFGE