What are minisatellites?

Options

A. 10-40 bp sized small sequences within the genes
B. Short coding repetitive region on the eukaryotic genome
C. Short non-coding repetitive sequence forming larger portion of eukaryotic genome.
D. Regions of coding strands of the DNA

Explanation

**Step-by-Step Text Solution:**

1. **Definition of Minisatellites**: Minisatellites are specific types of repetitive DNA sequences found within the eukaryotic genome. They are characterized by their short length, typically consisting of 10 to 40 base pairs.

2. **Characteristics**: These sequences are non-coding, meaning they do not code for proteins. Instead, they are involved in various genomic functions, including the regulation of gene expression and the maintenance of chromosomal stability.

3. **Repetitive Nature**: Minisatellites are composed of tandem repeats, which means that the same sequence of bases is repeated multiple times in a row. The number of these repeats can vary between individuals, making minisatellites useful in genetic studies, such as DNA fingerprinting.

4. **Location in the Genome**: They are found throughout the eukaryotic genome and can form larger portions of the genome due to their repetitive nature. This makes them an important aspect of genomic structure and function.

5. **Conclusion**: In summary, minisatellites are short, non-coding repetitive sequences within the eukaryotic genome that consist of 10-40 base pairs and can vary in the number of repeats among individuals.

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