In what type of genetic analysis are variations in STRs utilized as markers?

Variations in short tandem repeats (STRs) serve as critical markers in genetic analysis for several reasons. STRs are repetitive sequences of DNA that occur at specific locations on chromosomes. The number of repeats can vary significantly between individuals, making them highly useful for distinguishing between different genetic profiles. This variability is what allows STR analysis to be effectively utilized in applications like forensic science, paternity testing, and genetic linkage studies.

In STR analysis, the focus is specifically on these repeat units, and the differences in their lengths among individuals can be quantified and compared. This method is advantageous because STRs are abundant in the genome and highly polymorphic, meaning that they can provide a lot of information about genetic diversity within populations.

Recognizing the specific applications of the other options further emphasizes why STR analysis is the correct choice. For instance, genetic mapping involves determining the locations of genes on a chromosome, which may use various markers, not exclusively STRs. DNA sequencing refers to the process of determining the exact sequence of nucleotides in a DNA molecule, which does not focus on variations in STRs. Genome sequencing takes this further by sequencing the entire genome to understand the overall genetic makeup of an organism. While these analyses are extremely valuable, they do not specifically utilize STR