DNA profiling

DNA Profiling Applications

Used in forensic/criminal investigations, ecology, ancestry, medical research, paternity testing, and identifying human remains.

DNA Profiling Steps

The core process of sample collection, targeting STRs, PCR amplification, separation/detection, and profile generation.

Short Tandem Repeats (STRs)

Sequences of 2–6 base pairs repeated side-by-side in non-coding regions of DNA, used to distinguish individual genetic profiles.

STR Amplification

The process of targeting and copying specific STR regions using restriction enzymes and PCR.

Capillary Electrophoresis

A technique used to separate fluorescently tagged STR fragments by size for precise detection.

Electropherogram

A generated graph with peaks representing the number of STR repeats detected at each specific locus.

Locus

The specific physical location of an STR marker on a chromosome.

Allele Calls (Score)

The specific count of STR repeats identified at a given locus.

Stutter Peaks

Minor background noise peaks on an electropherogram that are excluded during profile analysis.

Heterozygous Locus

A locus displaying two distinct peaks, indicating two different repeat counts inherited from each parent.

Homozygous Locus

A locus displaying a single tall peak, indicating identical repeat counts inherited from both parents.