STRs, SSRs and microsatellites – Where is the difference?

[Zolt7]

Hi!
In literature I’ve read that SSRs (Simple Sequence Repeats) mean a repetition of 1-6 basepairs.
For example: AGGAGGAGGAGGAGGAGGAGG

But I have also read the same definition for the Short Tandem Repeats (STRs).

Now I am wondering if there is any difference?

And when do I call it a "microsatellite"? Is a SSR/STR only called "microsatellite" if it has
reached a certain amount of these repetitions?

I hope you can help me.

best regards,
Zolt7

[Kezzer]

Simple sequence repeats, short tandem repeats and microsatellites are all the same thing the only difference is the name.

They are all repetitive sequences of 1-6 base pairs.
It is up to you what you call them but I prefer to use short tandem repeat.
Hope this helps,
K

[Zolt7]

Ok that is what I’ve read but I was just wondering.

Thanks.

[Kezzer]

Yeh it is a little confusing that they have more than one name, I was the same when I did my undergraduate degree and came across it 🙂

[Author]

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