STR (Short Tandem Repeats)

Short Tandem Repeats (STRs) are small segments of DNA where a specific sequence of bases (like "AGAT") is repeated consecutively hundreds or thousands of times. The number of repeats can vary between individuals, making STRs useful for identification purposes. Since these variations are inherited but highly specific, analyzing STR patterns is important in forensic science for matching DNA to individuals, in paternity testing, and in genetic research. STRs are stable, easily measurable, and serve as genetic fingerprints because their repeat counts differ widely among people.