Question

Schematic representation of DNA fingerprints are shown below :
[Hints : C is a sample taken from a crime scene, A and B from two suspected individuals]
(a) Which one of the suspected individual may involved in the crime?
(b) Write any other use of DNA fingerprinting.

Answer 1

a) Individual B may be involved in the crime as his DNA fragment matches the DNA segment from the crime scene.

Genes are short sequences present in DNA strand that are responsible for the particular characteristics of an individual. PCR is a technique used to amplify the DNA molecules present in a small sample in order to obtain a large amount of DNA sequence for the test. This is followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). RFLP analysis is used to identify the repeated sequences by detecting a specific sequence pattern to the Variable Number Tandem Repeats which becomes that individual's DNA profile. This is the basis of DNA fingerprinting.

b) DNA fingerprinting is also used in diagnosis of genetic diseases as well as in paternity and maternity cases.