DNA Fingerprinting & Microsatellites — NEET Biology
✅ Asked in NEET 2026Arrange the following steps of DNA fingerprinting in correct sequence: A. Isolation of DNA and digestion by restriction enzymes; B. Hybridisation using a labelled VNTR probe; C. Transferring fragments to synthetic membrane; D. Detection by autoradiography; E. Separation by electrophoresis.
Arrange the following steps of DNA fingerprinting in correct sequence: A. Isolation of DNA and digestion by restriction enzymes; B. Hybridisation using a labelled VNTR probe; C. Transferring fragments to synthetic membrane; D. Detection by autoradiography; E. Separation by electrophoresis.
Answer & NCERT explanation
Correct answer: C — A, E, C, B, D
DNA fingerprinting sequence: Isolation & digestion (A) -> Electrophoresis (E) -> Southern transfer to membrane (C) -> Hybridisation with labelled VNTR probe (B) -> Detection by autoradiography (D).
Read more NCERT concept on the PYQ
Another challenging task was assigning the genetic and physical maps on the genome. This was generated using information on polymorphism of restriction endonuclease recognition sites, and some repetitive DNA sequences known as microsatellites (one of the applications of polymorphism in repetitive DNA sequences shall be explained in next section of DNA fingerprinting).
NTA tests understanding of how microsatellites (repetitive DNA sequences with polymorphism) are used to create genetic and physical maps of the genome. Students often confuse microsatellites with minisatellites or forget that these are polymorphic sequences used for mapping, not just fingerprinting identification. The key trap is mixing up the application: while microsatellites can identify individuals (DNA fingerprinting), here they're being tested for their role in genome mapping through restriction polymorphism analysis. Remember: microsatellites = short tandem repeats with high polymorphism = useful for both genetic mapping AND forensic fingerprinting. This concept bridges genomics with practical applications, making it ideal for NEET's integration-based questions.
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Has this concept appeared in NEET?
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Through deep analysis of NEET and NTA, 88 of 90 questions from the NEET 2026 paper were matched straight from the MedicNEET Biology question bank.
88/90MedicNEET's Biology question bank is built from the same NCERT lines NTA picks repeatedly. Not random MCQs — questions crafted exactly like NTA crafts them.