How does Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) work?

Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) involves amplifying random segments of genomic DNA using short, single-stranded primers with sequences selected without any bias towards particular genetic regions. These primers bind to two different sites on complementary strands of the genomic DNA. RAPD identifies polymorphisms by using short synthetic oligonucleotides (typically 10 bases in length) with random sequences as primers in a PCR assay.