DNA Fingerprinting Analysis
DNA fingerprinting analysis is the process of concluding if genetic material belongs to a particular person or a group. It is also known as DNA profiling or DNA typing. It is primarily a method of identifying a person based on their genetic makeup. The process is carried out by taking a sampling of the DNA from any of a wide variety of possible sources, including blood, saliva, semen or hair. The findings are then compared to the DNA of possible sources.
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History
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An English geneticist, Alex Jeffreys is credited with developing the method for identifying individuals, or DNA profiling, in 1985. He discovered that specific areas of DNA housed certain DNA sequences. Furthermore, these sequences were found repeatedly. He also learned that the quantity of the repeated sections within a sample would be different from person to person.
Function
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Human beings, like all living organisms, have within them DNA that is passed on from their parents. This DNA is made up of "base pairs," which are the four building blocks, A,C,T and G. They are joined together and form lengthy, chain-like sequences. These are the genes in our bodies. Genes are the genetic words that communicate with our cells and tell them what to do. Since ninety-nine percent of human DNA is identical, the differences that are found in people are in the order of the base pairs.
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Significance
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One of the major tools for law enforcement to solve crimes is the use of DNA fingerprinting analysis. Often, when a crime is committed, the perpetrator may leave behind traces of his or her DNA that can be used as evidence in a criminal proceeding. By evaluating samples of blood, semen, fingernails, skin cells and other matter left behind on items, such as clothing and surfaces, analysts can conduct DNA fingerprinting analysis. They compare the test results from the evidence collected at the crime scene with the genetic material of the suspect. It will either identify the person as a possible source or eliminate the individual.
Benefits
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Besides helping to solve crimes, DNA fingerprinting analysis is useful in helping parents and health care providers who are on the alert for hereditary diseases and medical disorders in fetuses and newborns. Diagnostic testing can be performed for diseases such as Alzheimer's, sickle cell anemia, muscular dystrophy, Huntington's disease and hemophilia. DNA fingerprinting is also used for the purpose of paternity testing to find out the biological father of a child. In some instances, testing is conducted to identify the mother.
Misconceptions
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The DNA analysis process typically used does not identify an individual by his or her DNA. This would entail analyzing the millions of base pair sequences in their DNA to reveal the unique sequences. Generally, DNA analysts use a method that reveals "repeating patterns" in sections of the genetic material. This process does not identify an individual. However, it does decide whether two DNA samples are a match. It can also determine if the samples are from individuals who are associated or not related.
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