DNA Fingerprinting
Since fingerprints are different, this program is widely accepted as a way to establish one's personality. The only problem was that the documents they used to identify the person had to be included in a global system used to identify fingerprints. If a person's prints are never loaded, or the body is too rotten to get a good print, this process becomes futile.
Then, in 1984, a method was developed to classify humans based on the structure of their DNA. Since then, science has made great strides in extracting DNA samples from a variety of sources to locate human remains through DNA fingerprinting.
There are four types of DNA fingerprinting systems currently in use. These methods include restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), polymerase chain reaction (PCR), amplified fragment length polymorphism (AmpFLP), and tandem repeat (STR).
The polymorphism of the boundary length length assists in the analysis of long strands in DNA molecules. To extract DNA fingerprints in this way, the obtained DNA is analyzed with a radioactive probe. RFLP is then used to detect any duplicate sequence by quickly detecting a particular pattern within the VNTR. This pattern then becomes the fingerprint of human DNA. Unfortunately, this program requires a significant source of DNA to complete the various tests required.
The polymerase chain reaction process requires a very small sample of DNA because it creates the exact copies of the DNA in question. This method uses DNA molecules in a small-size sample to be used for identification. The result of this process is that as it uses a small amount of DNA, it does not produce the exact effects of RFLP.
DNA fingerprinting this process is known to be less complex and more costly than other features. Unfortunately, there are problems with VTRN compilation due to the gel used in the analysis phase of this process. This can result in incorrect anonymity during the process.
The final procedure, STR, is the most common DNA fingerprint method used today. This process utilizes areas with SSR (short sequential repetition) DNA to identify a person. A major advantage here is the fact that DNA comparisons can be produced that can match endless possibilities.
Today, DNA fingerprints are an important tool not only for physical identification but also for paternal and criminal affairs. As the science of intelligence continues to investigate the further use of DNA tests, more uses continue to emerge.
Application of DNA Fingerprinting
- In criminal investigations, DNA fingerprints of the suspect's blood or other body parts are compared with evidence from the crime scene to determine how closely they relate.
- The strategy can also be used to establish a father. It was first invented in 1984 by Alec Jeffreys, a British professor of genetics at Univ. of Leicester,
- DNA fingerprints have been accepted in most courts in the United States, and in a few notable cases have been used to release or release convicted criminals, but the Supreme Court has ruled (2009) that convicted criminals have no constitution. the right to DNA testing.
- All states have developed DNA fingerprint data and require DNA collection from convicted criminals, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation has established a DNA database linking those regions and DNA collected in connection with state cases.
- DNA fingerprinting is generally considered to be a reliable forensic tool when done properly, but some scientists have requested that a wider sample of human DNA be taken to ensure that the analyzes are highly diverse across races and ethnicities.
- It is possible to create false genetic samples and use them to guide detective investigators, but once those samples were produced using genetic engineering techniques they could be separated from the standard DNA evidence.
- The techniques used in DNA fingerprinting also apply to paleontology, archeology, various biological disciplines, and medical diagnostics.
How does DNA fingerprinting works and what is it use?
DNA fingerprinting, also known as DNA profiling or DNA typing, is a forensic technique used to identify individuals by analyzing their unique DNA patterns. Here's how it works:
1.DNA Extraction: First, a sample containing DNA is collected from the individual, typically from sources like blood, saliva, hair, or skin cells.
2. DNA Amplification: The DNA sample is then amplified using a technique called Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). PCR creates millions of copies of specific regions of the DNA, making it easier to analyze.
3. DNA Fragmentation: The amplified DNA is then cut into smaller fragments using restriction enzymes. These fragments vary in size and are unique to each individual due to differences in their DNA sequences.
4. Gel Electrophoresis: The DNA fragments are separated by size using a technique called gel electrophoresis. An electric current is passed through a gel, causing the DNA fragments to move through the gel at different rates based on their size.
5. DNA Visualization: After electrophoresis, the DNA fragments are stained with a fluorescent dye, which allows them to be visualized under ultraviolet light.
6. DNA Analysis: The resulting DNA pattern, often referred to as a "DNA fingerprint," is unique to each individual (except for identical twins). Comparing the patterns of different individuals can determine if they share a biological relationship or if a suspect's DNA matches evidence found at a crime scene.
Uses of DNA fingerprinting:
1. Criminal Investigations: DNA fingerprinting is crucial in solving crimes.
2. Paternity and Relationship Testing: DNA fingerprinting can establish paternity or other familial relationships by comparing the DNA of potential relatives.
3. Immigration and Adoption: It can be used to confirm family relationships in immigration cases or during the adoption process.
4. Historical and Anthropological Research: DNA fingerprinting can help trace ancestry and study human migration patterns.
5. Wildlife Conservation: It's used to track and protect endangered species by identifying individuals and monitoring populations.
6. Disaster Victim Identification: DNA fingerprinting is employed to identify victims of natural disasters, accidents, or mass casualties.
Overall, DNA fingerprinting is a powerful tool for both forensic and non-forensic purposes due to its accuracy and ability to distinguish individuals based on their DNA profiles.
Using DNA fingerprints as legal identifiers has both advantages and disadvantages:
Advantages:
1. High Accuracy: DNA fingerprints are highly accurate and unique to each individual, making them a reliable way to identify individuals in legal cases.
2. Uniqueness: The chances of two individuals having the same DNA fingerprint are extremely low, making it a powerful tool for distinguishing between individuals.
3. Long-lasting: DNA is stable and can be preserved for a long time, making it useful for solving cold cases or identifying individuals in historical investigations.
4. Non-invasive: Collecting DNA samples is relatively non-invasive, often requiring only a cheek swab or a blood sample.
5. Scientific Credibility: DNA evidence is widely accepted in courts due to its scientific basis and the high level of confidence it provides.
Disadvantages:
1. Privacy Concerns: DNA contains sensitive genetic information, and the collection and storage of DNA samples raise privacy concerns. Unauthorized access to this data could lead to privacy violations.
2. Cost and Time: DNA analysis can be expensive and time-consuming, which may not be practical for all legal cases, especially in resource-constrained environments.
3. Potential for Contamination: DNA samples can be easily contaminated, leading to inaccurate results if proper handling and storage procedures are not followed.
4. Interpretation Complexity: Interpreting DNA evidence can be complex, and errors in analysis or interpretation can lead to wrongful convictions or acquittals.
5. Limited Usefulness in Some Cases: DNA evidence may not be available or useful in all types of legal cases, such as cases involving property disputes or white-collar crimes.
6. Ethical Considerations: The use of DNA evidence raises ethical questions, such as the potential for genetic discrimination or the misuse of DNA data.
In summary, DNA fingerprints offer high accuracy and reliability but come with privacy, cost, and interpretation challenges that must be carefully considered when used as legal identifiers.
