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Ch. 20 - Recombinant DNA Technology
Klug - Concepts of Genetics 12th Edition
Klug12th EditionConcepts of Genetics ISBN: 9780135564776Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksKlug 12th EditionCh. 20 - Recombinant DNA TechnologyProblem 33c
Chapter 20, Problem 33c

The U.S. Department of Justice has established a database that catalogs PCR amplification products from short tandem repeats of the Y chromosome (Y-STRs) in humans. The database contains polymorphisms of five U.S. ethnic groups (African-Americans, European Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, and Asian-Americans) as well as the worldwide population.
What would be the value of knowing the ethnic population differences for Y-STR polymorphisms?

Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of Y-STR polymorphisms: Y-STRs (short tandem repeats on the Y chromosome) are regions of repetitive DNA sequences found on the Y chromosome. These polymorphisms are inherited paternally and are useful for tracing male lineage and identifying genetic differences among populations.
Recognize the importance of population-specific data: Different ethnic groups may exhibit unique patterns of Y-STR polymorphisms due to genetic drift, migration, and evolutionary history. Cataloging these differences helps in understanding genetic diversity and ancestry.
Consider forensic applications: Knowing ethnic population differences for Y-STR polymorphisms can improve the accuracy of forensic investigations, such as identifying suspects or victims in criminal cases, by narrowing down the population group based on genetic evidence.
Explore anthropological and medical relevance: Population-specific Y-STR data can provide insights into human migration patterns, evolutionary history, and even predispositions to certain genetic conditions linked to the Y chromosome.
Evaluate the ethical implications: While the data is valuable for scientific and forensic purposes, it is important to ensure that it is used responsibly, avoiding discrimination or misuse of genetic information based on ethnic differences.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Y-STR Polymorphisms

Y-STR polymorphisms refer to variations in short tandem repeats located on the Y chromosome. These variations can be used to differentiate between male individuals and trace paternal lineage. Understanding these polymorphisms is crucial for forensic analysis, genealogical research, and population genetics, as they provide insights into male ancestry and population structure.
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Ethnic Population Genetics

Ethnic population genetics studies the genetic differences and similarities among various ethnic groups. By analyzing Y-STR polymorphisms across different populations, researchers can identify unique genetic markers that may be prevalent in specific ethnic groups. This information is valuable for understanding human migration patterns, ancestry, and the genetic diversity within and between populations.
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Forensic Applications

The forensic applications of Y-STR analysis involve using genetic information to solve crimes, identify remains, and establish paternity. Knowing the ethnic population differences in Y-STR polymorphisms enhances the accuracy of forensic investigations by providing context for genetic matches. This can help in narrowing down suspects or identifying individuals based on their ethnic background, thereby improving the reliability of forensic evidence.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

In humans, congenital heart disease is a common birth defect that affects approximately 1 out of 125 live births. Using reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR), Samir Zaidi and colleagues [(2013) Nature 498:220.223] determined that approximately 10 percent of the cases resulted from point mutations, often involving histone function. To capture products of gene expression in developing hearts, they used oligo(dT) in their reverse transcription protocol.

If one were interested in comparing the quantitative distribution of gene expression in, say, the right and left sides of a developing heart, how might one proceed using RT-PCR?

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Textbook Question

The U.S. Department of Justice has established a database that catalogs PCR amplification products from short tandem repeats of the Y chromosome (Y-STRs) in humans. The database contains polymorphisms of five U.S. ethnic groups (African-Americans, European Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, and Asian-Americans) as well as the worldwide population.

Given that STRs are repeats of varying lengths, for example (TCTG)₉₋₁₇ or (TAT)₆₋₁₄, explain how PCR could reveal differences (polymorphisms) among individuals. How could the Department of Justice make use of those differences?

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Textbook Question

The U.S. Department of Justice has established a database that catalogs PCR amplification products from short tandem repeats of the Y chromosome (Y-STRs) in humans. The database contains polymorphisms of five U.S. ethnic groups (African-Americans, European Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, and Asian-Americans) as well as the worldwide population.

Y-STRs from the nonrecombining region of the Y chromosome (NRY) have special relevance for forensic purposes. Why?

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Textbook Question

The U.S. Department of Justice has established a database that catalogs PCR amplification products from short tandem repeats of the Y chromosome (Y-STRs) in humans. The database contains polymorphisms of five U.S. ethnic groups (African-Americans, European Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, and Asian-Americans) as well as the worldwide population.

For forensic applications, the probability of a 'match' for a crime scene DNA sample and a suspect's DNA often culminates in a guilty or innocent verdict. How is a 'match' determined, and what are the uses and limitations of such probabilities?

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Textbook Question

There are a variety of circumstances under which rapid results using multiple markers in PCR amplifications are highly desired, such as in forensics, pathogen analysis, or detection of genetically modified organisms. In multiplex PCR, multiple sets of primers are used, often with less success than when applied to PCR as individual sets. Numerous studies have been conducted to optimize procedures, but each has described the process as time consuming and often unsuccessful. Considering the information given in Problem 30, why should multiplex PCR be any different than single primer set PCR in terms of dependability and ease of optimization?

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