UPSC 2023ScienceModerate

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

A
Studying the evolutionary relationships among various species of fauna
Correct Answer
B
Stimulating 'stem cells' to transform into diverse functional tissues
C
Promoting clonal propagation of horticultural plants
D
Assessing the efficacy of drugs by conducting series of drug trials in a population

Explanation

Microsatellite DNA consists of short, repetitive sequences that are highly polymorphic, making them ideal genetic markers for tracing lineage and studying evolutionary relationships among various species. While option (c) is a common distractor involving plant genetics, microsatellites are used for identification and mapping rather than the biological stimulation of clonal propagation. The core concept tested is the application of molecular markers in phylogenetics and population genetics.

Genetics & Evolutionary BiologyDNA Fingerprinting & PhylogeneticsMicrosatellite DNAevolutionary relationshipsspecies of faunastem cellsclonal propagationdrug trials

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