(a) VNTR - Variable Number of Tandem Repeats Role in DNA fingerprinting: In DNA fingerprinting it is used as a probe because of its high degree of polymorphism to detect specific sequences. (b) Application of DNA fingerprinting: 1. It is used in forensic science to identify potential crime suspects. 2. It is used to establish paternity and family relationships. 3. It is used to identify and protect the commercial varieties of crops and live stocks. 4. It is used to find out the evolutionary history of an organism and trace out the linkages between various groups of organisms.