An RFLP map of the Plasmodium falciparum genome, recombination rates and favored linkage groups in a genetic cross.

We report a genetic linkage map of the Plasmodium falciparum genome, using the inheritance patterns of nearly 90 RFLP markers in a genetic cross. Markers were assigned to polymorphic loci on all 14 nuclear chromosomes. Genetic recombination between parental markers was detected in each of the progeny, indicating that progeny from cross-fertilization events were favored over progeny from self-fertilization of either parent alone. Inheritance patterns among the markers suggested that certain parental linkage groups on chromosomes 2, 3, 12 and 13 were favored in the cross. Recombination frequencies on five chromosomes indicated an approximate map unit size of 15-30 kb per centiMorgan for P. falciparum.