NEET2026BiologyChapterActual
Which of the following statements correctly describes the properties of the specific DNA sequences used as the primary basis for DNA fingerprinting?
Options
- AThey are highly conserved sequences that code for vital structural proteins.
- BThey form a minor fraction of the human genome and completely lack repetitive units.
- CThey show a high degree of polymorphism and generally do not code for any proteins.
- DThey are translated into unique enzymes that are specific to each individual.
Correct answer
C. They show a high degree of polymorphism and generally do not code for any proteins.
Step-by-step solution
DNA fingerprinting involves identifying differences in specific regions of the DNA sequence called repetitive DNA. In these sequences, a small stretch of DNA is repeated many times. These repetitive DNA sequences are separated from bulk genomic DNA as different peaks during density gradient centrifugation. The bulk DNA forms a major peak and the other small peaks are referred to as satellite DNA. Satellite DNA generally does not code for any proteins, but it forms a large portion of the human genome. These sequence