Table of contents

1. Introduction to Microbiology3h 22m
2. Disproving Spontaneous Generation1h 18m
3. Chemical Principles of Microbiology3h 38m
4. Water1h 28m
5. Molecules of Microbiology2h 23m
6. Cell Membrane & Transport3h 28m
7. Prokaryotic Cell Structures & Functions5h 52m
8. Eukaryotic Cell Structures & Functions2h 18m
9. Microscopes2h 46m
10. Dynamics of Microbial Growth4h 36m
11. Controlling Microbial Growth4h 10m
12. Microbial Metabolism5h 16m
13. Photosynthesis2h 31m
14. DNA Replication2h 25m
15. Central Dogma & Gene Regulation7h 14m
16. Microbial Genetics4h 44m
17. Biotechnology3h 0m
18. Viruses, Viroids, & Prions4h 56m
19. Innate Immunity7h 15m
20. Adaptive Immunity7h 14m
21. Principles of Disease6h 57m

17. Biotechnology

DNA Fingerprinting

Microbiology

17. Biotechnology

DNA Fingerprinting

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following characteristics of short tandem repeats (STRs) makes it useful for DNA fingerprinting?

The number of repeats is highly variable from person to person or organism to organism.

The sequence of DNA that is repeated varies significantly from individual to individual.

The sequence variation is acted upon differently by natural selection in different environments.

Every racial and ethnic group has inherited a specific number of short tandem repeats.

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the concept of Short Tandem Repeats (STRs): STRs are short sequences of DNA, typically 2-6 base pairs long, that are repeated in a head-tail manner. They are found in various locations in the genome.

Recognize the significance of STRs in DNA fingerprinting: STRs are highly polymorphic, meaning the number of repeat units can vary greatly among individuals. This variability makes them useful for distinguishing between individuals in forensic analysis.

Consider the variability of STRs: The key characteristic that makes STRs useful for DNA fingerprinting is that the number of repeats is highly variable from person to person. This variability allows for the creation of a unique DNA profile for each individual.

Evaluate the options given: The correct answer is the one that highlights the variability in the number of repeats among individuals, as this is the primary reason STRs are used in DNA fingerprinting.

Conclude by identifying the correct characteristic: The correct characteristic of STRs that makes them useful for DNA fingerprinting is that the number of repeats is highly variable from person to person or organism to organism.