Genomic mapping by end-characterized random clones: a mathematical analysis.

Physical maps can be constructed by "fingerprinting" a large number of random clones and inferring overlap between clones when the fingerprints are sufficiently similar. E. Lander and M. Waterman (Genomics 2: 231-239, 1988) gave a mathematical analysis of such mapping strategies. The analysis is useful for comparing various fingerprinting methods. Recently it has been proposed that ends of clones rather than the entire clone be fingerprinted or characterized. Such fingerprints, which include sequenced clone ends, require a mathematical analysis deeper than that of Lander-Waterman. This paper studies clone islands, which can include uncharacterized regions, and also the islands that are formed entirely from the ends of clones.