Variable Number of Tandem Repeats -- VNTR
VNTR analysis (sometimes called DNA fingerprinting) can be used to identify
and match cell samples. In order to use VNTRs, we must have a source of DNA.
The DNA can come from any nucleated cell, e.g., white blood cells,
skin samples, semen samples, or hair folicles. Red blood cells cannot be used
as they do not have a nucleus.
For a VNTR analysis, the DNA is extracted and cut using restriction
endonucleases. A Southern Blot is then performed using various
probes.
Examples
The following links are three examples of VNTR analysis. Each of them comes
with a description of the problem, plus the four Southern Blots that
make up the analysis. For each of the examples, we will assume that there
are no problems with the sample collection, or with the way that the samples
were handles. In addition, we are interested only in Exclusion. That
is, we are not worried about the probability of a match coming from the
suspect or other persons unknown.
These examples are under construction
Keep checking back to see when I have added each of the examples.
A Case of Tissue Typing
A Case of Paternity
A Case of Rape