Polymorphism of STR loci on the X chromosome and its usage in forensic genetics.

Personal or kinship identification by STR (short tandem repeat) loci is currently a routinely used method, not only in forensic practise. Autosomal STRs are usually analyzed, Y chromosome also being popular because of his great importance (especially in genealogy) due to his recombination incapability. The X chromosome has been used least frequently in these respect, even though in specific cases, it might be more descriptive than autosomal loci. The purpose of this work is to provide a basic overview of the STR sequences and methods that are commonly used to analyze microsatellites, with emphasis on their specific behavior (if located on the X chromosome) and the subsequent possibilities of using these specifities especially in forensic genetics