Random match probability –

Random match probability – the chance of a random match; as used in DNA
profiling, it is the probability that the DNA of a randomly chosen person has a
DNA profile that cannot be distinguished from that observed in an evidence
sample.
Recombinant DNA technologies – procedures used to join together DNA
sequences in a cell-free system. Under appropriate conditions, a recombinant DNA
molecule can enter a cell and replicate there, either autonomously or after it has
become integrated into a cellular chromosome.
Resolution – degree of molecular detail on a physical map of DNA.
Restriction enzyme – a protein that recognizes specific, short nucleotide sequences
and cuts DNA at those sites. Bacteria contain over 400 such enzymes that
recognize and cut over 100 DNA sequences.
Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP)  – variation between
individuals in DNA fragment sizes cut by specific restriction enzymes;
polymorphic sequences that result in RFLPs that are used as markers on both
physical maps and genetic linkage maps. RFLPs are usually caused by mutation at
a cutting site.
RFU (relative fluorescent units) – units of measure for the light intensity detected
by a fluorescence detector, correlated with the amount of DNA associated with a
particular STR allele.
Serology – a discipline that uses immunology to study body fluids.
Sequencing – determination of the order of nucleotides (base sequences) in a DNA
or RNA molecule or the order of amino acids in a protein.
Sex chromosomes (X and Y chromosomes) – chromosomes that are involved in
sex determination. In humans, XX corresponds to female and XY to males. In STR
testing, typed at the amelogenin locus.
STR (short tandem repeats) – in DNA testing, a subset of polymorphic VNTR loci
where alleles differ primarily in the number of times that a string of four
nucleotides are tandemly repeated.
Southern blotting  – transfer by absorption of DNA fragments separated in
electrophoretic gels to membrane filters for detection of specific base sequences by
raiolabeled complementary probes.
Stutter – PCR amplification products that are one or more repeat units less (or
more) in size than a sample’s true allele and arise during PCR because of strand
slippage. Typically 15% or less of the height of the true allele.
Tandem repeat sequences – multiple copies of the same base sequence on a
chromosome; used as a marker in physical mapping.