What is the Difference between DNA fingerprinting and STR (short tandem repeat) profiling?
There are three types of forensic DNA testing routinely performed in crime labs today. These are nuclear DNA STR (short tandem repeat) analysis, Y-STR analysis and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Nuclear DNA STR analysis is the most widely used method and is the method currently utilized at the AK State Crime Lab. Short Tandem Repeat testing targets and amplifies specific core locations in the DNA molecule. This testing can be performed to identify not only the gender of the source of the biological material but also generate a genetic profile which enables us to distinguish between two individuals with a considerable degree of confidence. Y-STR analysis is used to amplify locations on the Y chromosome. Y chromosomes are paternally inherited and Y-STR data can only be obtained from male individuals. This type of testing may be useful when samples are mixtures of male and female DNA or when there is very little DNA from a male contributor. Y-STR testing has its limitations since close male r
