DNA Forensics Problem Set

DNA Forensics Problem Set 2

Problem 5: Alleles in a single-locus probe

How many different alleles can be detected per heterozygous individual with a specific single-locus probe in DNA fingerprint analysis?

Tutorial

DNA loci on chromosomes

Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes--one inherited from the mother and one from the father. DNA loci are located on chromosomes, therefore each locus has 2 alleles--one inherited from the mother and one from the father. The graphic below shows 5 DNA loci that are commonly probed in forensic applications, and where they are found on the chromosomes.

Single-locus probes used for DNA forensic analysis are selected because they occur at only one locus on one of the human chromosomes, and because these alleles are highly variable from person-to-person.

The Biology Project
University of Arizona
Monday, April 7, 1997
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