DNA fingerprinting, also known as DNA profiling, is used to compare DNA samples from different sources. This comparison helps to identify individuals or determine relationships. The main goal is to "match" DNA fingerprints.
Applications of DNA Fingerprinting
DNA fingerprinting has various uses, primarily revolving around identifying matching DNA samples. Here are some key areas:
Forensic Science
- Criminal Investigations:
- DNA evidence collected from crime scenes (e.g., blood, hair, skin) is compared with a suspect's DNA. This can link a suspect to the crime or exonerate them.
- It helps to identify the perpetrator of a crime by comparing their DNA profile with DNA found at the scene.
- Other Forensic Purposes:
- Identifying victims of accidents or natural disasters, especially in cases of mass fatalities, where other means of identification are impossible.
- Analyzing DNA evidence from old or cold cases to generate new leads or confirm prior investigations.
Paternity Testing
- Used to determine biological parentage.
- A child's DNA profile will share components with each biological parent. DNA fingerprinting compares the child's profile with the alleged parents.
- Provides accurate determination of biological relationships in paternity and maternity disputes.
Other Uses
- Wildlife Forensics: Identifying poached animals, or tracking endangered species.
- Medical Research: Studying genetic diseases or susceptibility to certain illnesses.
- Personal Identification: In rare cases, DNA fingerprinting can be used for personal identification or to prevent identity fraud.
How DNA Fingerprinting Works
- DNA Extraction: DNA is isolated from a biological sample.
- DNA Amplification: Specific regions of DNA are copied to obtain enough material for analysis.
- DNA Fragment Analysis: These amplified DNA fragments are then separated and analyzed, creating a unique banding pattern or profile.
- Profile Comparison: These DNA fingerprints are compared with one another, in cases like criminal investigations, paternity testing or other purposes, to find a match.
This process enables highly accurate identification and relationship determination. As noted, the goal is to identify a “match” between a known and an unknown DNA sample.
