Tandem repeat sequences
Tandem Repeat Sequences
Tandem repeat sequences (pronunciation: /ˈtændəm riːˈpiːt ˈsiːkwənsɪz/) are patterns of nucleotides that are repeated in a row on a DNA molecule.
Etymology
The term "tandem" originates from the Latin word "tandem" meaning "at length", and "repeat sequences" refers to the repeated patterns of nucleotides.
Definition
Tandem repeat sequences are a type of genetic variation where a pattern of one or more nucleotides is repeated and the repetitions are directly adjacent to each other. The pattern can range in length from two to several hundred nucleotides. The number of repeats can vary among individuals, making these sequences a useful tool in genetic fingerprinting and forensic science.
Types of Tandem Repeat Sequences
There are several types of tandem repeat sequences, including:
- Microsatellites or Short Tandem Repeats (STRs): These are tandem repeats of 2-6 base pairs of DNA. They are highly polymorphic and are used in DNA profiling.
- Minisatellites or Variable Number Tandem Repeats (VNTRs): These are tandem repeats of 10-100 base pairs of DNA. They are also highly polymorphic and were the first type of DNA sequence used in genetic fingerprinting.
- Satellite DNA: This is a type of tandem repeat sequence that is found in the centromeres and telomeres of chromosomes.
Related Terms
- Polymorphism: The occurrence of different forms among the members of a population or colony, or in the life cycle of an individual organism.
- Genetic Variation: The difference in DNA among individuals or the differences between populations.
- DNA Profiling: The process of determining an individual's DNA characteristics.
- Forensic Science: The application of science to criminal and civil laws.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Tandem repeat sequences
- Wikipedia's article - Tandem repeat sequences
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