VNTR Alleles and CODIS Markers

This lecture extends the discussion on DNA fingerprinting, focusing on VNTR alleles and their high mutation rates due to DNA polymerase errors. It explains the concept of VNTRs, their polymorphic nature, and how they are used in forensic science through the CODIS system. The lecture also covers the mutation rates of VNTRs compared to point mutations and discusses the inheritance patterns of these genetic markers.

What does VNTR stand for in the context of DNA fingerprinting?

• Variable Number Tandem Repeat

• Variable Nucleotide Transcription Repeat

• Variable Nucleotide Tandem Repeat

• Variable Number Transcription Repeat

Why are VNTR alleles considered highly polymorphic?

• Because they are found in all organisms

• Due to their ability to mutate into different genes

• Due to the presence of multiple copies of short sequences

• Because they are located on the same chromosome

How does DNA polymerase contribute to the variability of VNTR loci?

• By altering the number of repeat copies

• By changing the sequence order

• By deleting entire sequences

• By inserting incorrect bases

What is the significance of the CODIS set of VNTR markers?

• They are used for legal and forensic identification

• They are used for genetic engineering

• They are used for animal breeding programs

• They are used for studying plant genetics

Why were the CODIS markers chosen for forensic work?

• They are highly polymorphic across populations

• They are located on the same chromosome

• They are only found in Europeans

• They have a low mutation rate

What is the typical length of repeats in CODIS markers?

• Five nucleotides

• Three nucleotides

• Two nucleotides

• Four nucleotides

What is the mutation rate of CODIS markers compared to point mutations?

• 100,000 times faster

• 10 times slower

• 1,000 times slower

• 100 times faster

Which parent is more likely to pass on mutations in VNTR alleles?

• Father

• Neither

• Mother

• Both equally

How does the number of repeats in VNTR alleles affect their mutability?

• The number of repeats has no effect

• Fewer repeats make them more mutable

• More repeats make them more mutable

• More repeats make them less mutable

What is the probability that a CODIS allele from a grandfather will have a different number of repeats in a grandchild due to mutation?

• 1 in 10

• 1 in 100

• 1 in 10,000

• 1 in 1,000