What is DNA Fingerprinting?
DNA fingerprinting is also referred to as DNA profiling. The laboratory process known as DNA fingerprinting uses the nucleotide sequences of particular regions of human DNA that are unique to each person to determine a person’s likely identification. DNA fingerprinting is used in criminal investigations, paternity testing, and other forensic applications.
The objective in these situations is to “match” two DNA fingerprints, such as a DNA sample from a known individual and one from an unknown individual. It is a forensic method that has been applied to the zoological, botanical, and agricultural studies of animal and plant populations. For example,
If you want to identify a criminal at a crime scene, DNA fingerprinting will work as a means to rectify the identification of the criminal.
- We collect DNA samples from the crime scene.
- Then we collect the DNA samples of the suspects.
Through the process of DNA fingerprinting, we will try to identify who is a criminal among our suspects.
From the above, we can conclude that the criminal is Suspect 2.
What is DNA Fingerprinting?
DNA Fingerprinting is a technique used to identify individuals by analyzing their unique DNA patterns. Studying the DNA Fingerprinting steps and process helps in understanding genetic relationships, solving crimes, and identifying individuals based on their unique DNA profiles.
In this article, we will cover DNA fingerprinting applications, uses, and steps. You can also find DNA fingerprinting notes here.
Table of Content
- What is DNA Fingerprinting?
- DNA Fingerprinting Diagram
- DNA Fingerprinting Steps and Process
- Step 1: DNA Isolation
- Step 2: Amplification
- Step 3: DNA digestion by Restriction of Endonuclease Enzyme
- Step 4: DNA Fragment Separation
- Step 5: Separation of DNA Fragments
- Step 6: Transferring (blotting) the isolated DNA fragments from the gel to synthetic membranes such as nylon or nitrocellulose
- Step 7: Radiolabeled Probe Hybridizations
- Step 8: Hybridized DNA Fragment Detection
- Principle of DNA Fingerprinting
- DNA Fingerprinting Applications
- How are Restriction Enzymes Used in DNA Fingerprinting?
- How we can Create a DNA Profile Using Short Tandem Repeats (STR)