DNA profiling is a forensic technique in criminal investigations, comparing criminal suspects’ profiles to DNA evidence so as to assess the likelihood of their involvement in the crime. It is also used in parentage testing, to establish immigration eligibility, and in genealogical and medical research.

DNA fingerprinting is a technique that simultaneously detects lots of minisatellites in the genome to produce a pattern unique to an individual. This is a DNA fingerprint. Just like your actual fingerprint, your DNA fingerprint is something you are born with, it is unique to you.

A beginner’s guide to DNA fingerprinting

1. Extracting the DNA from cells.
2. Cutting up the DNA using an enzyme.
3. Separating the DNA fragments on a gel.
4. Transferring the DNA onto paper.
5. Adding the radioactive probe.
6. Setting up the X-ray film.
7. Yes – we’ve got the result!

Using DNA profiles to determine paternity

DNA polymorphisms can be analysed to give a DNA profile. Human DNA profiles can be used to identify the origin of a DNA sample at a crime scene or test for parentage. DNA profiling is used to: identify the probable origin of a body fluid sample associated with a crime or crime scene.

The overall DNA profiling success rate was at 58.7%, similar to those reported in the Netherlands where 54% of analysed serious crime traces had DNA profiling results [3]. The average DNA profiling success rate for low and high-success articles were at 36.0% and 70.7%, respectively.

DNA can be used to tell people apart because humans differ from each other based on either their DNA sequences or the lengths of repeated regions of DNA. The technique of gel electrophoresis separates DNA by size, thus allowing people to be identified based on analyzing the lengths of their DNA.

The DNA testing process is comprised of four main steps, including extraction, quantitation, amplification, and capillary electrophoresis.

List of Pros of DNA Fingerprinting

• It is simple, less intrusive testing.
• It can reduce innocent convictions.
• It can help solve crimes and identity issues.
• It can be a violation of one’s privacy.
• It raises concerns over third-party access.
• It can be used the wrong way to convict innocents.

The Pros and Cons of Cloning: Is it Worth the Risk?

• Pro: Reproductive Cloning. Reproductive cloning has a number of pros.
• Pro: Organ Replacement.
• Pro: Genetic Research.
• Pro: Obtaining Desired Traits in Organisms.
• Pro: Recovery from Traumatic Injury.
• Con: Reproductive Cloning.
• Con: Increased Malpractice.
• Con: Lack of Diversity.

Currently there are no comprehensive privacy regulations that would prevent governments from sharing DNA profiles with other groups, such as insurance companies. DNA samples are rarely destroyed meaning that the information derived from a sample could potentially be accessed by anyone.

For less than $100, folks can discover their ancestry and uncover potentially dangerous genetic mutations. About 12 million Americans have bought these kits in recent years. But DNA testing isn’t risk-free — far from it. The kits jeopardize people’s privacy, physical health, and financial well-being.