Question

[3]
(a) Expand VNTR and describe its role in DNA fingerprinting.

(b) List any two applications of DNA fingerprinting technique.

Answer 1

(a) VNTR - Variable Number of Tandem Repeats. [0.5]
In DNA fingerprinting it is used as a probe because of its high degree of polymorphism to detect specific sequences. [0.5]

(b) Two applications of DNA fingerprinting are as follows :
(i) DNA fingerprinting is used for paternity testing through the use of PCR technique which produces the genetic fingerprint and is highly specific for each individual. [1]
(ii) It is used in forensic science to identify the people involved in a crime by analysing the DNA fingerprint from the skin, saliva, hair and other DNA sources obtained from the crime scene. [1]