Microsatellite

Microsatellite

Microsatellites, also known as Simple Sequence Repeats (SSRs) or short tandem repeats (STRs), are repeating sequences of 2-6 base pairs of DNA.

Microsatellites are typically co-dominant. They are used as molecular markers in genetics, for kinship, population and other studies. They can also be used to study gene duplication or deletion. Microsatellites are also known to be causative agents in human disease, especially neurodegenerative disorders and cancer.