Dictionary

paternity test: A test using blood group identification of a mother, child, and putative father to establish the probability of paternity.

polymerase chain reaction (PCR): A technique for amplifying DNA sequences in vitro by separating the DNA into two strands and incubating it. It is especially helpful in genealogical tests.

removed: In the terms of a family tree, it describes two people from different generations.

restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP): A variation in DNA fragment banding patterns of electrophoresed restriction digests of DNA from different individuals of a species.

short tandem repeat (STR): A forensic analysis that evaluates loci found on nuclear DNA that allows for discrimination between one DNA profile and another.

single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP): A change in which the DNA differs from the usual base at that position. There are millions of SNPs in the human genome, some which cause sickle cells responsible for disease.