Editing Variable number tandem repeat (section)

==Use in genetic analysis==
VNTRs were an important source of RFLP [[genetic marker]]s used in [[Genetic linkage|linkage analysis]] (mapping) of diploid genomes.  Now that many genomes have been [[Human Genome Project|sequenced]], VNTRs have become essential to [[forensic]] crime investigations, via [[DNA fingerprint]]ing and the [[Combined DNA Index System|CODIS]] database.  When removed from surrounding DNA by the PCR or RFLP methods, and their size determined by gel electrophoresis or [[Southern blot]]ting, they produce a pattern of bands unique to each individual.  When tested with a group of independent VNTR markers, the likelihood of two unrelated individuals'<!--apostrophe here for the genitive case; that is, "the likelihood of THEIR having..." not "the likelihood of them having..."--> having the same allelic pattern is extremely low.  VNTR analysis is also being used to study [[genetic diversity]] and breeding patterns in [[Population genetics|populations]] of wild or domesticated animals. As such, VNTRs can be used to distinguish strains of bacterial pathogens. In this microbial forensics context, such assays are usually called [[Multiple Loci VNTR Analysis]] or [[MLVA]].
[[Image:Codis profile.jpg|thumb|right|350px|{{center|Chromosomal locations of the 13 VNTR loci in the CODIS panel.}}]]