Question

A very small sample of tissue or a drop of blood can help determine paternity. Provide a scientific explanation to substantiate the statement. [3]

Answer 1

A very small sample of tissue or a drop of blood can help determine paternity by DNA fingerprinting analysis. In this technique, DNA from sample of tissue or a drop of blood is digested, separated and visualised. The DNA band patterns are analysed and compared with the DNA band pattern of the parent. If there is similarity in the DNA pattern of the sample and the parent then they are related. This is how paternity can be determined. [3]