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What do DNA profiles show?
DNA profiling involves the testing of highly variable regions of a person’s DNA that contain short repeating sequences called STRs (short tandem repeats). The exact number of STRs varies from person to person. Because we all inherit our DNA from our parents, DNA profiles can be used to confirm if people are closely related. STR profiling is a very sensitive technique and only a tiny quantity of DNA, such as the trace left by just touching an object, is needed.
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