Question

What is DNA fingerprinting? Mention its application.

Answer 1

DNA Fingerprinting

1. The genetic makeup of living organisms can be seen using a process called DNA fingerprinting.
2. It is a technique for determining how the satellite DNA regions in the genome vary from one another.
3. It is a technique based on the fact that the DNA of any two people is alike in some regions but is significantly different in others.
4. This difference results from enormous variations in some non-coding sequences due to mutations. This is called polymorphism.
5. Being sexually reproducing species, these sequences are inherited from the parents.
6. Although every individual DNA sequence is unique, just like fingerprints, there is still some sharp resemblance with parent DNA that can be observed in electrophoresis patterns.

Applications of DNA Fingerprinting

This is the basis of its application as a test to

1. Sort out maternity/paternity issues - A child's DNA fingerprints can be matched with the parent's.
2. Solve forensic medicine cases - A sample from the crime scene (a few drops of blood, semen or even hair follicle cells) can be used to identify the perpetrator.
3. Lineage studies - It is used to study the human lineage by making comparative studies with other probables.
4. Population and genetic diversities.
5. It is also used to study the cause of disease at the molecular/genetic level.