Question:
In the context of DNA fingerprinting, VNTRs are used as probes. What does VNTR stand for?
In the context of DNA fingerprinting, VNTRs are used as probes. What does VNTR stand for?
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VNTRs are the foundational basis of restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis used in forensic investigations and paternity testing. They are characterized by a high degree of sequence polymorphism.
Updated On: Jun 3, 2026
- Variable Number of Tandem Repeats
- Various Nucleotide Template Regions
- Validated Nitrogenous Triple Replicates
- Viral Nucleoside Transfer Rates
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Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks for the full form of the abbreviation "VNTR," which represents a crucial biological tool used as a probe during DNA fingerprinting.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
• DNA fingerprinting (also called DNA profiling) is a forensic technique used to identify individuals based on unique regions within their genomes. Much of the human genome is identical among individuals, but repetitive DNA sequences provide high variability.
• VNTR stands for Variable Number of Tandem Repeats.
• VNTRs are location-specific, repetitive DNA sequences where a short nucleotide sequence is organized in tandem (one after another).
• These sequences belong to a class of satellite DNA known as mini-satellites. The length of the repeated unit can range from $10$ to $100$ base pairs.
• The total number of repeats at any given locus varies significantly among individuals, making VNTRs highly polymorphic. This variation is inherited from parents, providing a unique genetic marker.
• During the Southern blot hybridization step of DNA fingerprinting, radiolabeled or fluorescently tagged VNTR sequences are used as probes.
• These probes bind to complementary single-stranded DNA fragments on a membrane. Because the length and number of VNTRs vary from person to person, the resulting band pattern on an autoradiogram is unique to each individual (except for identical twins).
Step 3: Final Answer:
The abbreviation VNTR stands for Variable Number of Tandem Repeats.
The question asks for the full form of the abbreviation "VNTR," which represents a crucial biological tool used as a probe during DNA fingerprinting.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
• DNA fingerprinting (also called DNA profiling) is a forensic technique used to identify individuals based on unique regions within their genomes. Much of the human genome is identical among individuals, but repetitive DNA sequences provide high variability.
• VNTR stands for Variable Number of Tandem Repeats.
• VNTRs are location-specific, repetitive DNA sequences where a short nucleotide sequence is organized in tandem (one after another).
• These sequences belong to a class of satellite DNA known as mini-satellites. The length of the repeated unit can range from $10$ to $100$ base pairs.
• The total number of repeats at any given locus varies significantly among individuals, making VNTRs highly polymorphic. This variation is inherited from parents, providing a unique genetic marker.
• During the Southern blot hybridization step of DNA fingerprinting, radiolabeled or fluorescently tagged VNTR sequences are used as probes.
• These probes bind to complementary single-stranded DNA fragments on a membrane. Because the length and number of VNTRs vary from person to person, the resulting band pattern on an autoradiogram is unique to each individual (except for identical twins).
Step 3: Final Answer:
The abbreviation VNTR stands for Variable Number of Tandem Repeats.
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