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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between VNTR and STR?

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VNTR (Variable Number of Tandem Repeats) and STR (Short Tandem Repeats) are two types of tandem repeats found in a eukaryotic genome. The main difference between them lies in the length of their repetitive units:

  • VNTR: The repetitive unit of VNTR is 10-60 base pairs long. VNTRs are considered minisatellites.
  • STR: The repetitive unit of STR is 2-6 base pairs long. STRs are considered microsatellites.

Both VNTR and STR have similarities:

  • They are noncoding DNA.
  • Both are tandem repeats.
  • They show polymorphism among individuals due to the difference in the length of the DNA section.
  • They are used as powerful genetic markers in DNA fingerprinting and forensic studies.

VNTRs are used as an important source of RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphism) genetic markers for linkage analysis, genetic diversity and breeding patterns of wild and domestic animals, and distinguishing strains of bacterial pathogens. On the other hand, STRs are preferred in DNA profiling than VNTRs because of their faster analysis and higher discriminatory power.

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  • What is the Difference Between VNTR and STR?
  • Comparative Table: VNTR vs STR

    • Comparative Table: VNTR vs STR

    Here is a table comparing the differences between VNTR (Variable Number Tandem Repeats) and STR (Short Tandem Repeats):

    Feature VNTR STR
    Repeating Unit Repeating sequences consist of 10 to 100 nucleotides Repeating sequences consist of 2 to 13 nucleotides
    Core Repeat Sequence Size Core repeat sequence can range from 6 to 100 base pairs Core repeat sequence ranges from 1 to 6 base pairs
    Allele Variation VNTR alleles can range in size from 500 base pairs to over 30,000 base pairs STR alleles typically range from 50 to 300 base pairs
    DNA Profiling Limited use due to the need for a relatively large amount of DNA to interpret results Preferred in DNA profiling due to easier analysis and shorter size

    Both VNTR and STR are types of tandem repeats in the genome, and they show polymorphism among individuals due to the difference in the length of the DNA section. They are both used as genetic markers in DNA fingerprinting and forensic studies.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.