Both minisatellite repeats (10-100 bp) and microsatellite repeats (< 10 bp) are called variable number tandem repeats and are used for DNA fingerprinting to unambiguously identify specific individuals by their DNA. How does this technique work?

What will be an ideal response?


Ans: Genomic DNA is isolated and digested by restriction enzymes that cut the DNA flanking the tandem cluster of repeats, but not within the repeats themselves. The digested fragments are separated by agarose gel electrophoresis, Southern blotted to a nitrocellulose membrane, and hybridized with a labeled nucleic acid complementary to the repeat sequence. Since there are hundreds of copies of the repeats and the clusters may occur on different chromosomes, many bands of different sizes are observed. The number of copies of the repeats in each cluster is highly variable, or polymorphic, among individuals, so it is unlikely than any two people would have the exact same pattern of bands. The pattern of bands is inherited from one's parents like any other genetic marker.

Biology & Microbiology

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By evaluating the genome sequences of ____________, it is possible to compare sequences of two closely related species and determine the original sequence probably present in the common ancestor

Fill in the blanks with correct word

Biology & Microbiology

Which of the following four statements is NOT

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Biology & Microbiology

Which of the following mechanisms best describes the manner in which lysozyme lowers the energy required for its substrate to reach its transition-state conformation?

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Biology & Microbiology

The reverse transcription of HIV RNA utilizes host cell tRNA as a primer. Specifically, a tRNA for lysine is utilized. Would a drug that blocked the host cell synthesis of the tRNA for lysine be a good drug to prevent the HIV life cycle?

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Biology & Microbiology