Final answer:
A short tandem repeat (STR) is a sequence of DNA that is repeated multiple times in a row, commonly used in forensic science and genetic fingerprinting.
Step-by-step explanation:
Best Description of a Short Tandem Repeat (STR)
A short tandem repeat (STR) is best described as option 1) A sequence of DNA that is repeated multiple times in a row. These are sequences where a pattern of two or more nucleotides is repeated and the repetitions are directly adjacent to each other. STRs are found throughout the genome, often within non-coding regions such as introns, and play a significant role in forensic science and genetic fingerprinting due to their high variability among individuals.
Understanding STR in Genetics
The understanding of genetic code is essential in explaining STRs. The genetic code is made up of sequences of three nucleotides forming a codon, which specifies a particular amino acid within a protein. It's important to differentiate that STRs are not related to the sequences of amino acids in proteins, nor associated with RNA or proteins repeating in sequence; instead, they are exclusively related to repetitive DNA sequences.