STR DNA Profiling

These flashcards cover key concepts related to STR DNA profiling, including types of DNA, mechanisms, methods used in profiling, and relevant definitions.

STR

Short Tandem Repeat, a type of DNA profiling used to identify individuals.

Satellite DNA

Highly repetitive DNA sequences found in centromeres that are involved in chromosome segregation.

Heterochromatin

Highly condensed regions of chromatin that are not typically found in prokaryotes.

Moderately repetitive DNA

Includes sequences like tandem repeats and interspersed retrotransposons.

Tandem Repeats

DNA sequences where blocks of sequences are repeated multiple times.

Variable Number Tandem Repeats (VNTRs)

Long repeating sequences of DNA, 15 to 100 base pairs long, found between genes.

Microsatellites

Short tandem repeats (STRs) that consist of di-, tri-, tetra-, or pentanucleotide repeats.

Interspersed Retrotransposons

Ancient mobile DNA elements including SINEs and LINEs that can insert into different genomic locations.

Replication Slippage

A mechanism that leads to the incorporation of errors in repetitive DNA regions, potentially causing expansion.

Transposons

Mobile genetic elements that can move around within the genome, affecting genetic variability.

PCR Primers

Short sequences of DNA used to amplify specific regions of DNA in PCR.

Capillary Electrophoresis

A method for separating DNA fragments based on size and charge, allowing higher resolution detection.

Allele Frequency

The proportion of a specific allele variant in a population.

Hardy-Weinberg Equation

A principle that describes the genetic variation in a population under ideal conditions.

Product Rule

The probability of two or more independent events occurring together is the product of their individual probabilities.

Homozygous

Having two identical alleles for a specific gene locus.

Heterozygous

Having two different alleles for a specific gene locus.

DNA Profile Match

The comparison of DNA profiles to establish identity or kinship between individuals.

CODIS

Combined DNA Index System, a national database of DNA profiles used for forensic purposes.

Prosecutor's Fallacy

The misuse of statistical probabilities derived from evidence to equate guilt with likelihood.

Trinucleotide Repeat Expansion

An increase in the number of repeats of a trinucleotide sequence, associated with various genetic disorders.

Microtubules

Cytoskeletal structures that are involved in moving chromosomes during cell division.

Genomic Locus

A specific, fixed position on a chromosome where a particular gene or DNA sequence is located.

Genetic Variation

Differences in DNA sequences among individuals, which can be used for identification.

DNA Fingerprint

A unique pattern of DNA sequences used to identify individuals.

Somatic Cell

Any cell of the body except sperm and egg cells.

Germline Cell

Reproductive cells that give rise to gametes and can pass genetic information to offspring.

Forensic Profiling

Analyzing DNA samples to identify individuals in criminal investigations.

Epidemiological Database

A database containing biological samples for genetic analysis.

Inheritance Pattern

The way genes and traits are passed from parents to offspring.

Diversity Index

A measure that reflects the diversity of alleles within a population.

Environmental Triggers

External factors that can initiate the excision or movement of transposons.

Repetitive DNA Sequences

DNA sequences that are repeated multiple times in the genome, affecting genetic stability.