NCJ Number
127673
Date Published
1990
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This technical article describes the theory and application of DNA profiling as a means towards human individualization. The major limitation of DNA technology is that the loss of sequence destroys its distinguishing feature; its major strength is that the ordering of nucleotides can be measured by the precision of its hydrogen bonding.
Abstract
This description of macro mini micro satellite VNTR (variable number of tandem repeats) polymorphism begins with a discussion of repetitive sequences in the human genome followed by an introduction of polymorphism in tandemly repeated DNA. More detailed discussions emerge on VNTR polymorphism in tandem interspersed repetitive sequences and VNTR polymorphism in tandem centric repetitive sequences. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology will eventually have the capability to provide the same levels of discrimination as conventional multi-locus and single local VNTR probes.