Stochastic Effects
Definition
Random sampling errors arising when few template molecules are present in a PCR reaction. Manifest as allele drop-out, allele drop-in, elevated stutter and peak-height imbalance.
Related terms
- Allele Drop-in
- Appearance of a low-level allele in a PCR product from stochastic amplification of a contaminant molecule. More common in low-template reactions where...
- Allele Drop-Out
- Failure of one allele at a heterozygous locus to amplify in a low-template PCR reaction, producing an apparent homozygote. Increases dramatically below...
- EDTA Decalcification
- Demineralisation of bone powder using 0.5 M EDTA at pH 8.0, which chelates calcium from hydroxyapatite and releases DNA from the mineral...
- Petrous Bone
- The petrous portion of the temporal bone, the densest bone in the human skull. Its dense hydroxyapatite matrix protects enclosed DNA from...
- Secondary Transfer
- The movement of a glass fragment from a primary surface (which contacted the broken glass) to a secondary surface (which contacted the...
- Touch DNA
- Minute quantities of epithelial cells transferred by skin contact with a surface, without leaving a visible stain. Collected by swabbing contact points...
Explained in
- Touch DNA, Hair, Bone, Teeth and Challenging SubstratesRandom sampling errors arising when few template molecules are present in a PCR reaction. Manifest as allele drop-out, allele drop-in, elevated stutter and pea...