9-1 DNA: the Indispensable Forensic Tool

Repeated Nucleotides The gene is the fundamental unit of heredity.

Genes Each gene is composed of DNA specifically designed to control the genetic traits of ourselves. Tandem repeats. MLVA is a method used to perform molecular typing of microorganisms. It utilizes the naturally occurring variation in the number of tandem repeated DNA sequences found in the microbial genome of most bacterial species. Such tandem repeats may be perfect, but often imperfect repeats containing mutations are encountered.

RFLP DNA is constructed as a very large molecule made by linking a series of repeating units called nucleotides.

Four Bases Four types of bases are associated with DNA structure: adenine guanine cytosine thymine

Complimentary Pairing This concept is known as complementary base pairing.

Complimentary Paring Complementary base pairing ensures that nucleotides only match to corresponding nucleotides. Adenine matches with thymine Cytosine matches with guanine

Order of Bases The order in which the base pairs are arranged defines the role and function of a DNA molecule.