*10.43 As described in the text and demonstrated in Question 10.42, VNTRs can robustly distinguish between different individuals. Five well-chosen, single locus VNTR probes used together can almost uniquelyidentify one individual because, statistically, they are able to discriminate 1 in 10^9 individuals. However, the use of VNTR markers has largely been supplanted by theuse of STR markers. For example, the FBI uses a set of 13 STR markers in forensic analyses. Different fluorescently labeled primers and reaction conditions have been developed so that this marker set can be multiplexed—allof the markers can be amplified in one PCR reaction. The marker set used by the FBI, the number of alleles at each marker, and the probability of obtaining a randommatch of a marker in Caucasians is listed in the followingtable: Table Herea. Consider the types of DNA samples that the FBI analyzesand the requirements concerning DNA samples in the methods used to analyze STR and VNTR markers.Why is the use of STR markers preferable to the use of VNTR markers?b. Why is it advantageous to be able to multiplex the PCR reactions used in forensic STR analyses?c. Suppose the first four STR markers listed in the table are used to characterize the genotype of an individual, and the genotype is an exact match with results obtained from a hair sample found at a crime scene. What is the probability that the individual has been misidentified, that is, what is the chance of a random match when just these four markers are used? About how often do you expect an individual to be misidentified if only these four markers are used?d. Answer the questions posed in (c) if all 13 STR markersare used.

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