DNA Markers
DNA markers, also called genetic markers, are specific portions of DNA that are useful for human identification purposes. Usually, DNA markers consist of short, repeating sequences of DNA. The number of times these sequences are repeated is highly variable among individuals, and it is this fact that makes DNA markers effective for human identity and family relationship testing.
The DNA markers that Beta Paternity examines in a routine paternity test are called short tandem repeats (STRs), which are short pieces of DNA that are repeated multiple times in succession. By examining the length and sequence of the STRs in the genetic profiles of an alleged father and a child, we can determine whether or not the two individuals are biologically related.
A child inherits his or her DNA from the parents (each parent supplies one-half of the child’s total genetic makeup), and this inheritance is reflected in predictable ways among the child’s DNA markers. In human identity and family relationship DNA testing, therefore, scientists compare the genetic markers in individuals’ DNA profiles and look for patterns of inheritance. A biologically related parent and child will share at least 50% of the same DNA markers.
CODIS, a human identification standard that is used all over the world, is composed of 13 DNA markers. Beta Genetics routinely uses 16 DNA markers in its family relationship tests. In unusual cases or more complex cases, we can perform extended testing as needed for more conclusive results.
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