Microsatellites consist of which types of nucleotide repeats?

Microsatellites, also known as short tandem repeats (STRs), are composed of short sequences of DNA that are repeated multiple times in a row. These repeats can vary in length and can consist of different types of nucleotide sequences. The correct answer highlights that microsatellites can include both mononucleotide repeats (single nucleotide repeat units) and dinucleotide repeats (two nucleotide repeat units).

In the context of genetic markers, microsatellites are particularly valuable because they are highly polymorphic, meaning that the number of repeats can vary significantly among individuals in a population. This variability makes them useful in a variety of applications, including population genetics, forensics, and genetic mapping.

Mononucleotide repeats, such as those composed solely of adenine (A) bases repeated, and dinucleotide repeats, such as alternating adenine and cytosine (AC) repeat sequences, are both common forms of microsatellites. They can serve different roles in genetic analysis, but the key characteristic is their tandem repeat nature.

The other choices focus on limitations regarding the type of repeats present in microsatellites, which is not accurate. Microsatellites are not confined to a singular type of repeat, thereby allowing for a broader range