UPSC CSE Prelims
DNA, RNA and Genetics Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Detailed Explanation:

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

Microsatellite DNA, also known as Short Tandem Repeats (STRs), are highly polymorphic DNA sequences that show significant variation among individuals and populations. These variations make them excellent genetic markers for studying evolutionary relationships, population genetics, and phylogenetic studies among different species of fauna. The high mutation rate and variability in the number of repeated sequences allow researchers to trace genetic lineages and understand evolutionary divergence patterns.

📝 Short Notes: Microsatellite DNA (Short Tandem Repeats)

• Definition: Microsatellites are short repetitive DNA sequences (typically 1-6 base pairs) repeated in tandem arrays throughout the genome.
• Polymorphism: Highly variable in repeat number between individuals, making them useful genetic markers for identification and diversity studies.
• Applications in Evolutionary Biology: Used to study genetic diversity, population structure, gene flow, and phylogenetic relationships among species.
• Other Applications: DNA fingerprinting, paternity testing, forensic analysis, conservation genetics, and breeding programs.
• Advantages: Co-dominant inheritance, high mutation rates, abundance in genomes, and ease of amplification using PCR.
• Not Related to: Stem cell transformation, clonal propagation techniques, or direct drug efficacy testing (these involve different molecular techniques).