Which testing method is associated with detecting single base changes in DNA?

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Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) testing is specifically designed to identify variations at a single nucleotide level within the DNA sequence. SNPs are the most common type of genetic variation among individuals, and they can occur in coding regions of genes or in non-coding regions of the genome. This method allows for the detection of differences that may play a crucial role in individual responses to drugs, susceptibility to environmental factors, and the risk of developing certain diseases.

SNP testing employs various techniques, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing, to accurately pinpoint these single base changes. As a result, it is well-regarded for its precision in genotyping and understanding genetic diversity within populations.

In contrast, other methods like Variable Number Tandem Repeats (VNTR) and Alu element analysis focus on larger structural changes in DNA, while Long Interspersed Nucleotide Sequence (LINE) testing is aimed at identifying larger repetitive sequences. Thus, these alternatives do not specifically target single nucleotide changes, making SNP testing the appropriate choice for this question.

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