Question

Explain the significance of satellite DNA in DNA fingerprinting technique.

Answer 1

Satellite DNA are small non-coding but inheritable sequences of bases which can be separated as satellite from bulk DNA during density gradient centrifugation. Satellite DNA shows polymorphism which forms the basis of DNA fingerprinting. There are short nucleotide repeats in the DNA which are specific in each individual and vary in number from person to person but are not inherited. These are called ‘variable number tandem repeats’ or mini-satellites. Individuals inherit these repeats from their parents which are used as genetic markers in a personal identity test.