Final answer:
Forensic investigations can use certain STRs on chromosomes to determine the gender of a person based on their DNA. Y-chromosome STRs can identify male DNA while X-chromosome STRs can indicate the presence of female DNA. Examples of useful STRs on the Y and X-chromosomes are provided.
Step-by-step explanation:
In forensic investigations, Short Tandem Repeats (STRs) on specific chromosomes can be used to determine the gender of a person based on their DNA. Specifically, the Y-chromosome STRs can determine whether the crime scene evidence was left by a male, as females do not have a Y-chromosome. Examples of useful Y-chromosome STRs include DYS19, DYS385, and DYS643. On the other hand, the X-chromosome STRs can provide information about the presence of female DNA at the crime scene. Examples of useful X-chromosome STRs include XHPRT, DXS7133, and GATA172D05.