Genetic markers are specific sets of base sequences (strings of C, G, A and T) along a living thing's chromosomes.

Identifiable differences in DNA structure or sequence that occur among individuals that can be used to identify specific genes through linkage. Polymorphisms are often used as markers, as certain polymorphisms are often inherited within families. Markers that are common to individuals harbouring certain disease genes may be used to help identify the disease gene location if the marker is close to and therefore probably inherited together with the disease gene.

Also known as a genetic marker. It is a segment of DNA at a known physical location on a chromosome. A marker can be a gene or a section of DNA with no known function. They can be used to track the inheritance pattern of genes that have not yet been identified, but whose approximate locations are known.

Areas of the DNA found to be highly variable between individuals. North Gene will use 8 different markers to assess paternity.

known DNA sequences used to track a gene in a family.