Microsatellites are used exactly the same way in forensics. A genetic fingerprint is created for the evidence collected at a crime scene and compared to the genetic fingerprints of the suspects. Microsatellites can also be used in parental analysis. By analyzing the microsatellites, paternity testing can be accomplished. Microsatellites can also be used for marker-directed breeding.
Markers are easily detectable pieces of DNA close to a gene.
Marker-directed plant breeding uses the detection of microsatellites to signal specific traits in the plant. This helps speed plant breeding, as analysis of the markers lets the plant breeders recognize plant traits.