STR

SHORT TANDEM REPEATS
  • The short tandem repeat (STR) methodology for extracting DNA is the system most widely used form of DNA fingerprinting.
  • This system is based on the features of PCR, as it utilizes specific areas that have short sequential repeat DNA.
  • The STR analyzes how many times base pairs repeat themselves on a particular location on a strand of DNA.
  • The big advantage in this method is that the DNA comparisons can match the possibilities into an almost endless range.
  • DNA fingerprinting has been extremely successful for use in the personal identification of criminal suspects, paternity issues, as well as in identification of the deceased.
  • DNA, however, still poses issues because the VNTRs are not evenly distributed in all people because they are inherited.
  • However, as forensic science continues its work in DNA testing, there appears to be no limit to the value it can render to society.
Last modified: Friday, 24 September 2010, 12:23 PM