Chinese researchers have finished DNA typing using the STR GeneScan among people from five Chinese ethnic groups -- the Han, Hui, Mongolian, Tibetan and Uygur nationalities.

The study of the STR gene is expected to lead to a better understanding of the structure and function of DNA.

The research was financed by the State Natural Science Fund and carried out by a team of medical experts led by Professor Li Shengbin of the Xi'an Medical Sciences University.

In 1996, Li and his colleagues began making samples and analyzing the DNA typing of 500 people from the five ethnic groups, 100 from each group.

By gene sequencing, the researchers analyzed STR genetic structures and have now completed the STR GeneScan analysis of the five groups.

Experts here said their research is of great value for establishing a STR gene data bank in China and studying and preserving human gene resources in the country.

Moreover, STR typing by GeneScan can be used to provide scientific evidence for bio-archeology, gene diagnosis, and individual identification, they added. (Xinhua)