DNA and RNA fingerprinting based on arbitrarily primed PCR provides the most powerful tool for the study of genes. The basic techniques are described in detailed protocols including each step from template preparation to fingerprint visualization. Various protocols for the basic techniques allow to choose between alternative strategies. In addition to the general techniques specific research applications of particular interest are given such as gene mapping, detection of somatic mutations, gene abnormally expressed in tumors or differentially expressed genes by RNA fingerprinting.DNA and RNA fingerprinting based on arbitrarily primed PCR provides the most powerful tool for the study of genes. The basic techniques are described in detailed protocols including each step from template preparation to fingerprint visualization. Various protocols for the basic techniques allow to choose between alternative strategies. In addition to the general techniques specific research applications of particular interest are given such as gene mapping, detection of somatic mutations, gene abnormally expressed in tumors or differentially expressed genes by RNA fingerprinting.Overview.- I DNA Extraction from Mammals.- II Insect DNA Extraction Protocol.- III Rapid DNA Extraction from Plants.- IV Preparation of Fungal Genomic DNA for PCR and RAPD Analysis.- V Extraction of Histoplasma capsulatum DNA for PCR.- VI DNA Extraction from Bacterial Cultures.- VII Arbitrarily Primed PCR and RAPDs.- VIII Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA Assay.- IX DNA Amplification Fingerprinting.- X Fluorescent Detection and Analysis of RAPD Amplicons Using the ABI PRISM DNA Sequencers.- XI Optimization of RAPD Fingerprinting.- XII Fingerprint Tailoring.- XIII Resolving DNA Amplification Products Using Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis and Silver Staining.- XIV Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis for Enhanced Detection of DNA Polymorphisms.- XV Modified Temperature Sweep Gel Electrophoresislóâ