minisatellite
/ˌmɪnɪˈsatəlʌɪt/ /ˌmɪnɪˈsat(ə)lʌɪt/Genetics
noun
Any segment of DNA consisting of a short sequence of nucleotides (typically 10 to 60 base pairs) repeated several to many times. Compare microsatellite, satellite.
- Extreme variability in the overall length (number of repeats) of minisatellites provides the basis for DNA fingerprinting in animals and plants..
Origin
1980s. From mini- + satellite. Compare earlier microsatellite.