Microsatellite DNA’ is used in the case of which one of the following?
(a) Studying the evolutionary relationships among various species of fauna
(b) Stimulating ‘stem cells’ to transform into diverse functional tissues
(c) Promoting clonal propagation of horticultural plants
(d) Assessing the efficacy of drugs by conducting series of drug trials in a population
Answer: B
The correct answer is (b). Microsatellite DNA, also known as short tandem repeats (STRs), are short sequences of DNA that are repeated multiple times in a row. They are found throughout the genome, and their number can vary from person to person. Microsatellite DNA is used in a variety of applications, including:
- Forensics: STRs can be used to identify individuals, even if they have only a small amount of DNA. This is because STRs are highly variable between individuals.
- Genetic genealogy: STRs can be used to trace family lineages and identify genetic relatives.
- Paternity testing: STRs can be used to determine whether or not a man is the biological father of a child.
- Medical research: STRs can be used to study the genetic basis of diseases and to develop new treatments.
In the case of stem cell research, microsatellite DNA can be used to identify and select stem cells that are most likely to differentiate into a particular type of cell. This can help to improve the efficiency of stem cell therapies.
Microsatellite DNA is a valuable tool for a variety of applications. It is relatively inexpensive and easy to use, and it can be used to identify individuals, trace family lineages, and study the genetic basis of diseases.
