DNA Profile (IMAGE)

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

Caption

This DNA profile is based on 24 genetic markers (stretches of DNA found at specific locations in the genome). Each genetic marker contains a short tandem repeat (STR)—a section of DNA that repeats itself, like a word typed over and over again, with the number of repeats varying from person to person. In this graph, the peaks represent the number of repeats at each marker. Most markers show two peaks—one inherited from each parent (where only one peak appears in a marker, the individual has inherited the same number of repeats from each parent). These 24 markers produce a series of 48 numbers that can be used to uniquely identify an individual.

Credit

B. Steffen/NIST

Usage Restrictions

None

License

Licensed content

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.