1. A short segment of DNA consisting of a sequence of 2–6 base pairs repeated multiple times, used as a genetic marker in DNA fingerprinting and population studies.
Usage: technical; genetics

Examples

• Microsatellites are highly variable between individuals, making them useful for paternity testing.
• Forensic scientists use microsatellite analysis to identify suspects from crime scene DNA.
• The research team mapped microsatellites across the genome to study genetic diversity in the population.
• Microsatellites consist of short DNA sequences repeated in tandem throughout the genome.
• Conservation biologists rely on microsatellite markers to assess genetic variation in endangered species.