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Short Tandem Repeat (STR) Profiling

Definition

The amplification and typing of microsatellite loci where short DNA sequences are repeated a variable number of times. When applied to canine or feline nuclear DNA using validated multiplex kits, STR profiling generates a genotype that can individualise an animal within a reference population database.

Related terms

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)
DNA located in mitochondria rather than the cell nucleus. Present in hundreds to thousands of copies per cell, making it recoverable from...
Canine STR Multiplex
A validated set of STR loci used to generate a genotypic profile from dog DNA. The International Society for Animal Genetics (ISAG)...
Cementum
A thin, bone-like mineralised tissue that covers the external surface of the tooth root. Deposited incrementally throughout life in alternating translucent and...
Cryogenic Grinding
The technique of freezing a tooth sample to cryogenic temperatures (liquid nitrogen, approximately -196°C) before mechanical pulverisation. Freezing prevents frictional heat generation...
Dentinal Tubules
Microscopic channels running radially through dentine from the pulp cavity to the outer surface. They house odontoblast cell processes that can carry...
Medullary Index
The ratio of the medulla diameter to the total hair shaft diameter. In companion animal hair identification, a medullary index above 0.5...
Primary Transfer
The direct movement of biological material from an animal to a surface it contacts. When a dog sheds hair onto its owner's...
Pulp Extraction
Accessing the soft tissue of the root canal (pulp) directly by cutting the tooth at the cementoenamel junction and removing the contents...
Veterinary Forensic Pathology
The application of post-mortem examination principles to animal deaths where criminal conduct is suspected. A veterinary forensic pathologist documents injuries, assesses cause...

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