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Key Words：termite classification, control, functional gene, caste differentiation, molecular biology
Abstract：Termites are dangerous social insects. Different subjects of sciences have been involved in establishment of safe and effective control methods against termites. Molecular biology has played an important role in termite research. DNA sequence analysis has been used to identify and classify termite populations, and the most commonly used markers are mitochondrial genes. Genetic engineering technology has been successfully introduced to establish the genetically improved bacteria from termite intestines for termite control. Different functional genes, such as Hexamerin, COXⅢ and cellulose gene among others, and proteins that control caste differentiation, have been isolated and identified. The present paper reviews the advances in molecular biology related to classification, control, functional genes and caste differentiation of the termites, aiming to provide new insights into termite control.