1. Short segments of DNA consisting of repeated sequences of 2–6 base pairs, used as genetic markers in DNA fingerprinting and population studies.
Usage: technical; genetics; also called short tandem repeats (STRs) or simple sequence repeats (SSRs)

Examples

• Forensic scientists use microsatellites to identify suspects by analyzing DNA from crime scenes.
• Microsatellites are highly variable between individuals, making them useful for paternity testing.
• The research team analyzed microsatellites across different populations to study human migration patterns.
• Plant breeders rely on microsatellites as molecular markers to track genetic diversity in crop varieties.
• Microsatellites have become standard tools in evolutionary biology for assessing genetic relationships between species.