DNA fingerprinting

Hypervariable tandem-repetitive minisatellite regions of human DNA can be used to generate individual-specific DNA fingerprints. Validation studies have demonstrated the reliability of the analysis, the mode of inheritance of the minisatellites, and the unparalleled degree of individual specificity. The uses of hypervariable probes in forensic biology, paternity testing, and the resolution of a wide range of problems in genetics, molecular biology, population biology, and medicine are illustrated.