How accurate is DNA typing for parentage?
The use of microsatellite DNA for parentage verification provides a level of exclusion for any parent of up to 99%. ^ Return to top What is a microsatellite? Microsatellite sequence consists of repeated units of the genetic code G, A, T or C; the most common repeat unit is CA. For example, a particular microsatellite may consist of 10 repeated CA units. During evolution, a mutation in the DNA may result in some individuals having 8 repeat units whereas others may have 6 or 12 repeats at that same locus. At any one microsatellite locus, three to ten or more possible variations may exist in the population. Approximately 3000 microsatellite loci have been identified by laboratories around the world and placed on the Bovine Genome Map. For parentage analysis, a standardized and highly informative panel of microsatellite markers have been approved by the International Society of Animal Genetics (ISAG). ^ Return to top Are blood types transferable to DNA types? No, blood types cannot be conv
