Current developments in genetic studies and decreasing cost of genotyping have resulted
in the rapid growth of the use of molecular markers. Microsatellites or simple sequence
repeats (SSR) have become the markers of choice for a variety of molecular studies because
of their versatility, operational fl exibility, and lower cost than other marker systems.
This volume contains 21 chapters divided into 4 parts. Part I (seven chapters) presents
and describes classical and modern methods for the discovery and development of microsat￾ellite markers. Part II (four chapters) gives a description of ampli fi cation and visualization of
SSRs. In Part III (four chapters), the use of four different automated capillary sequencers
that are widely used for fragment analysis is presented. The last part (Part IV, fi ve chapters)
presents a variety of methods for the analysis of data obtained by the use of microsatellites.
This book is aimed at new scientists who need detailed protocols for incorporating microsat￾ellite markers into their projects and expert scientists who want to expand their knowledge
of SSR discovery, use, and analysis.
I take this opportunity to thank my family (Kostas, Ioanna, and Manos) for their uncon￾ditional love and support.