Question

In forensic applications of biotechnology, short repeated DNA sequences can be used to identify one person out of billions. Which of the following acronyms describes these short-repeated DNA sequences used in forensic DNA analysis?

Select all that apply:
a) PCR
b) CODIS
c) VNTR
d) STR

Answer 1

In forensic biotechnology, c) Variable Number of Tandem Repeats (VNTR) and d) Short Tandem Repeats (STR) are the acronyms for the genetic markers used to identify individuals.

Step-by-step explanation:

In forensic applications of biotechnology, DNA profiling can identify individuals by analyzing specific genetic markers in their DNA.

Among the acronyms describing the short-repeated DNA sequences used in forensic DNA analysis, the correct answers are:

• Variable Number of Tandem Repeats (VNTR): These are repeated sets of nucleotides in the non-coding regions of DNA, the number of repeats varying in individual organisms within a population.
• Short Tandem Repeats (STR): These are similar to VNTRs but involve shorter repeat units and are the most commonly used genetic markers in current forensic analysis because they provide a high level of discrimination between individuals.

On the other hand, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is a method used to amplify DNA sequences and is essential in preparing DNA samples for analysis, while Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) is a database that stores DNA profiles used in criminal investigations and forensic science but is not a type of DNA sequence.