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What is the significance of satellite DNA in DNA fingerprinting?

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Significance of satellite DNA in DNA fingerprinting A DNA satellite is a region that consists of short DNA sequences repeated many times. The variation between individuals in the lengths of their DNA satellites forms the basis of DNA fingerprinting.
DNA satellites are of two types, i.e. microsatellites and minisatellites. Their characteristic that makes them useful for identification is that they are highly polymorphic. The length of each satellite in DNA is inherited.

The length of satellite regions are highly variable between people. These form small peaks during density gradient centrifugation and thus are invaluable for identification purposes.




Satellites are short sequences of DNA repeated again and again to form long sequences. Variation in the lengths of these satellite DNA is unique to every human being. This has been helpful in DNA fingerprinting.

DNA fingerprinting is the method followed by scientists to identify particular individuals as per their DNA map.
*DNA fingerprinting is used to identify criminals related to forensic department.
*It is also used to diagnose inherited disorders in prenatal and newborn babies.
*It is used to settle down paternity disputes.
*Individual persons like soldiers can be identified by DNA finger printing.



DNA fingerprinting is the method followed by scientists to identify particular individuals as per their DNA map.
*It is also used to diagnose inherited disorders in prenatal and newborn babies.
*It is used to settle down paternity disputes.
*Individual persons like soldiers can be identified by DNA finger printing


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