Microsatellite DNA is used in the case of which one of the following? (UPSC Prelims 2023)

Question

The correct answer is [A] Studying the evolutionary relationships among various species of fauna. Microsatellite DNA is a powerful tool in molecular biology used for genetic analysis and population studies.

Definition: Microsatellites, also known as Simple Sequence Repeats (SSRs) or Short Tandem Repeats (STRs), are small pieces of DNA where a specific sequence of 1 to 6 nucleotides is repeated multiple times (e.g., CACACACA).
Why they are used (Statement A): These sequences are highly polymorphic, meaning the number of repeats varies significantly between individuals and species. Because these variations are inherited, scientists use them as \"genetic markers\" to track lineage, study genetic diversity, and map evolutionary relationships (phylogenetics) among different animal species.
Stem Cells (Statement B - Incorrect): Stimulating stem cells involves transcription factors and signaling proteins (like Yamanaka factors), not the analysis of repetitive DNA sequences.
Clonal Propagation (Statement C - Incorrect): Clonal propagation in horticulture usually involves tissue culture or vegetative methods. While DNA markers might be used to verify a clone\'s identity, they do not \"promote\" the propagation itself.
Drug Trials (Statement D - Incorrect): Assessing drug efficacy usually involves Pharmacogenomics or clinical trials focusing on metabolic pathways and gene expression, rather than repetitive non-coding DNA markers.

In forensic science, microsatellites (STRs) are the gold standard for DNA profiling (DNA fingerprinting) because the probability of two unrelated individuals having the exact same number of repeats at multiple locations is extremely low.

GKToday Admin · Accepted Answer

Studying the evolutionary relationships among various species of fauna The correct answer is [A] Studying the evolutionary relationships among various species of fauna. Microsatellite DNA is a powerful tool in molecular biology used for genetic analysis and population studies.

Definition: Microsatellites, also known as Simple Sequence Repeats (SSRs) or Short Tandem Repeats (STRs), are small pieces of DNA where a specific sequence of 1 to 6 nucleotides is repeated multiple times (e.g., CACACACA).
Why they are used (Statement A): These sequences are highly polymorphic, meaning the number of repeats varies significantly between individuals and species. Because these variations are inherited, scientists use them as \"genetic markers\" to track lineage, study genetic diversity, and map evolutionary relationships (phylogenetics) among different animal species.
Stem Cells (Statement B - Incorrect): Stimulating stem cells involves transcription factors and signaling proteins (like Yamanaka factors), not the analysis of repetitive DNA sequences.
Clonal Propagation (Statement C - Incorrect): Clonal propagation in horticulture usually involves tissue culture or vegetative methods. While DNA markers might be used to verify a clone\'s identity, they do not \"promote\" the propagation itself.
Drug Trials (Statement D - Incorrect): Assessing drug efficacy usually involves Pharmacogenomics or clinical trials focusing on metabolic pathways and gene expression, rather than repetitive non-coding DNA markers.

In forensic science, microsatellites (STRs) are the gold standard for DNA profiling (DNA fingerprinting) because the probability of two unrelated individuals having the exact same number of repeats at multiple locations is extremely low.

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