Question

UPSC Prelims 2023 Question:

‘Microsatellite DNA' is used in the case of which one of the following?

1. Studying the evolutionary relationships among various species of fauna
2. Stimulating 'stem cells' to transform into diverse functional tissues
3. Promoting clonal propagation of horticultural plants
4. Assessing the efficacy of drugs by conducting series of drug trials in a population

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 1: Studying the evolutionary relationships among various species of fauna

Detailed Solution

Explanation:

Microsatellite DNA is utilised in genetic analysis, more specifically in molecular genetics and genomics. Microsatellites are small DNA sequences made up of repeating units. They are also known as short tandem repeats (STRs) or simple sequence repeats (SSRs). These repeating units, which are typically 1-6 base pairs in length, are repeated in tandem, and the amount of repetitions varies between individuals. The number of repeats at a certain microsatellite locus might vary greatly between people in a population because microsatellite DNA is highly variable.
Researchers can analyse the genetic structure, population dynamics, and evolutionary relationships among various species of animals by analysing microsatellite DNA. Microsatellite markers are very valuable in population genetics, conservation genetics, and phylogenetic research.

Therefore, option (1) is the correct answer.

Subject: Science & Technology | Biology

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