THE USE OF ALPHOID REPEATS IN SEX DETERMINATION FROM HUMAN SKELETAL FRAGMENTS AND TEETH SPECIMENS

Background: The advent of molecular techniques has revolutionized the ability of scientists to determine the sex of individuals. The genetic difference between males and females is defined by the presence or absence of the Y-chromosome. The only repetitive DNA family likely to exhibit the properties of significant chromosome specificity is the alphoid (alpha) satellite family located in pericentromeric regions of all human chromosomes. Materials and Methods: A review composed via Medline Internet search of literature and contributions from our experiences as well as experiences of colleagues. The literature search for review was based on the aim and objectives of the original research work I conducted for my Ph.D thesis. The terms used to hook on internet include “alphoid repeats in sex identification from human bones and teeth”, “sex identification from burnt bones and teeth specimens using alphoid repeats primers”. Results: The use of alphoid repeat primers in sex determination from human skeletal fragments and teeth specimens gives accurate result. Conclusion: Alphoid repeats is efficient and reliable in sex determination from human skeletal fragments and teeth specimens. Hence, sex identification with alphoid repeats, of subjects for forensic purposes can be obtained with little or no involvement of morphological approach. However, a large sample size coming from different sources may need to be considered to test the reliability and efficiency of these primers so that success rate in sex determination using these primers may be optimised.