DNA fingerprinting is what enables the identification of people. Often, DNA fingerprinting is referred to as DNA testing or genetic fingerprinting. DNA fingerprinting allows scientists to create a DNA profile- a profile which is different from person to person.
DNA is essentially the same from person to person. We share most of our DNA with any random person we meet in the streets. However, what does differ are certain sequences on the DNA molecule, which though compared to the vast amount we share, are very few, these are enough to be a key distinguishing factor that enables us to identify people.
Countless cases involving crimes have been solved thanks to DNA fingerprinting. A woman is killed. There is no witness. Police can search for the most minute traces or samples which can yield some DNA. A fragment of a nail, a spot of blood or a dirty Kleenex left unwittingly at the crime scene. The DNA can be tested and a profile drawn up. Having a DNA profile can immensely aid investigations as it can smoothly link crime to criminal.
It is important to understand the issue of statistics and probability in DNA testing. Let’s talk about DNA paternity testing, which of course, relies on DNA fingerprinting.
As we established, we share the vast bulk of our DNA and scientists specifically need to analyze those repeats which are shared to determine whether people are related. Thus, between an alleged father and child in a DNA test, scientists need to find those repeats which are the same on both DNAs. However, even once they have established that the putative father is the biological father, they will be expressed as a probability.
Statistically there could be another person with the alleged father’s identical genetic makeup and although the chances are minute, (perhaps one in 10 billion) they must nevertheless be acknowledged. Of course, for who is doing the test, a 99.99% inclusion of paternity means the alleged father is the true biological father. What are the chances of another man with his same genetic makeup having met the mother and having had intercourse with her?
DNA fingerprinting is extremely accurate and reliable. Whether you are doing a paternity DNA test, a sibling test or investigating crimes, DNA does not lie.
[...] testing showed that he was actually unrelated to the children he claimed were his. DNA testing or DNA fingerprinting is a major tool in the identification of [...]
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