VNTR & DNA Fingerprinting Basics — NEET Biology
📚 Practice ConceptThe VNTR belongs to a class of satellite DNA referred to as mini-satellite. A small DNA sequence is arranged tandemly in many copy numbers. The copy number varies from chromosome to chromosome in an individual. The numbers of repeats show very high degree of polymorphism. As a result the size of VNTR varies in size from 0.1 to 20 kb. Consequently, after hybridisation with VNTR probe, the autoradiogram gives many bands of differing sizes. These bands give a characteristic pattern for an individual DNA. It differs from individual to individual in a population except in the case of monozygotic (identical) twins. The sensitivity of the technique has been increased by use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR- you will study about it in Chapter 9). Consequently, DNA from a single cell is enough to perform DNA fingerprinting analysis. In addition to application in forensic science, it has much wider application, such as
Which of the following statements about VNTRs and their role in DNA fingerprinting are NOT correct? S1: VNTRs are a class of minisatellite DNA characterized by a small DNA sequence arranged tandemly in many copy numbers. S2: The copy number of VNTRs is generally identical across all chromosomes within an individual, leading to a consistent banding pattern. S3: These repetitive sequences typically code for essential proteins, contributing directly to an individual's phenotypic traits. S4: High degree of polymorphism in VNTRs refers to the variability in their repeat numbers, making them unique identifiers. S5: DNA from monozygotic twins would exhibit identical VNTR banding patterns due to their shared genetic origin.
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