What is Autosomal DNA Profiling?
Autosomal DNA Profiling, also known as “DNA Fingerprinting”, usually refers to the testing of STR (short tandem repeat) markers found in Autosomal DNA. STRs are short fragments of DNA, usually 2 to 6 base pairs in length which are repeated over and over again in a defined location of the autosomal DNA. The length of the repeats can vary from person to person, and is inherited within the autosomal chromosome. Examining autosomal STRs During DNA fingerprinting, a panel of known STRs locations (locus, plural loci) are tested to examine the number of repeats “alleles” at each locus. Since each individual has two copies of each autosomal chromosome, each locus will show two possible “alleles”. An example is locus D5S818 which is found on chromosome #5. D5S818 is known to have repeats ranging from 7 to 17. After testing an individual, the results will show two values, ie 9, 11. That means that the individual inherited a 9 from one parent and an 11 from the other parent. When a panel of diffe
