Web-based analysis for student-generated complex genetic profiles.

A simple, rapid method for generating complex genetic profiles using Alu-based markers was recently developed for students primarily at the undergraduate level to learn more about forensics and paternity analysis. On the basis of the Cold Spring Harbor Allele Server, which provides an excellent tool for analyzing a single Alu variant, we present a new web-based system for analyzing several genetic loci, including Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, genetic drift, and Fst genetic-distance calculations, as well as analyzing eight loci profiles simultaneously for forensic purposes. By analyzing several loci, students can determine more precisely the relatedness of populations as well as develop a greater appreciation for the use of DNA markers in forensic analysis by concurrently assessing the frequencies of genotypes for eight genetic loci.