Locus, Loci
The term locus means location. Locus is the singular form of the term; the plural form is loci.
In genetic terms, a locus is the position of a gene on a chromosome. Human DNA has special loci that contain short, repeating sequences of DNA called genetic markers. These markers show predictable patterns of inheritance between biological relatives and are therefore useful in human identity testing.
Paternity tests and other family relationship tests examine the DNA markers of individuals to determine whether they are biologically related. Loci are used to describe the DNA markers that are examined. A marker named D16S539, for example, is on the 539th locus on chromosome 16. The number 539 indicates the locus.
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