Tandem repeats of DNA sequences provide a unique and abundant source of genomic
variability and recent evidence suggests they can modulate a range of biological processes
in a wide variety of different species. These classes of repetitive DNA are variously
referred to as simple sequence repeats, satellite DNA (microsatellites, minisatellites and
satellites) or variable number tandem repeats. A key aspect of tandem repeats is that
they represent highly polymorphic and uniquely mutable genomic components which
can (depending on their sequence, length and location) affect the structure and function
of DNA, RNA and protein.