Due to the fact that DNA typing is only an examination of a
DNA sample's sequence
and/or length at discrete locations , a match in DNA typing is
always a statistical exercise. (Currently, time and expense limit
an examination of an individual's entire genome, which would show
unique identity.) In order to determine the probability that a
particular genotype might occur at random in a population,
population data must be gathered to make an estimate of the
frequency of each possible allele and genotype. Usually a sample
size of greater than 100 samples is sufficient to make reliable
projections about a genotype's
frequency in a larger population (Chakraborty, R. (1992) Human
Biology 64:141-159).
The data collected and presented here represent information
from published sources. The STR locus, the population sampled,
the number of samples examined, and the reference number
(according to the complete STR reference
list) are available as part of this database. We hope this
information will be helpful to the DNA typing community for
comparing results between populations.