DNA Finger Printing

Contents

TOC o “1-3” h z u How DNA fingerprinting works PAGEREF _Toc379627428 h 1The uses and applications of DNA fingerprinting PAGEREF _Toc379627429 h 2Diagnosis of inherited disorders PAGEREF _Toc379627430 h 2Developing cures for inherited disorders PAGEREF _Toc379627431 h 2Personal identification PAGEREF _Toc379627432 h 3Forensic or criminal use PAGEREF _Toc379627433 h 3Paternity and maternity PAGEREF _Toc379627434 h 3

The use of DNA probes and the development of retrieval techniques have paved way for the matching of DNA molecules to each other for the purpose of identification. This process has been incorporated into what is known as DNA fingerprinting.DNA fingerprinting is therefore a test for identify and evaluate genetic information i.e. ones DNA. This technique is referred to as a fingerprint since it is quite unlikely that two people can have the same DNA information just as it is unlikely for two people to have exactly the same fingerprint. The DNA structure of everyone’s DNA is same the difference comes in on the base pairs and hence the development of the different sequences. The same DNA fingerprint exists on every cell, tissue and organ of an individual. No alterations can be made on a DNA fingerprint by any treatment that is known .for this reason DNA fingerprinting is rapidly becoming a primary method used for the identification and distinguishing of human beings (WebMD, 2012).

How DNA fingerprinting worksWhen making DNA fingerprints there are several steps that require to be done in the laboratory. The first step in DNA fingerprinting is the isolation of the DNA sample. The sample can be got from blood, semen, hair or saliva even in the smallest proportion like a single hair strand or a drop of blood. This sample contains white blood cells that will be broken down using detergents and the DNA to be used is subsequently separated from the rest of the cellular material. The second step is cutting, sizing and sorting the isolated DNA. The DNA is the cut into small pieces by using special enzymes known as restriction enzymes at specific sites. The third step involves the transferring of the DNA to nylon, the DNA pieces are transferred to nylon sheets by being placing the sheets on a gel and soaking them overnight. The fourth step involves what is known as probing, this is the addition of radioactive or colored probes to the nylon sheet that will produce patterns that are known as DNA fingerprints. The final DNA fingerprint is build by using five to ten probes simultaneously (CliffsNotes.com, 2012).

The uses and applications of DNA fingerprintingDNA fingerprints are very useful in several areas of the society. They are used by professionals in the health and even the justice system.

Diagnosis of inherited disordersDNA fingerprints can be used in the diagnosis of disorders that are inheritable in prenatal as well as newborn babies in many hospitals all over the world. Some of the disorders that can be diagnosed using DNA fingerprints are cystic fibrosis, hemophilia, Alzheimer’s disease, sickle cell anemia among others. the early detection that is made possible by DNA fingerprints will enable the medical staff and the parents of the child to adequately prepare for how treatments will be administered to the child .information from genetic fingerprints can be used by genetic counselors in helping prospective parents understand risks of having an affected child. Prospective parents can also use information from DNA fingerprints to make decisions pertaining to affected pregnancies (Betsch, 2000)

Developing cures for inherited disordersDNA fingerprints provide information for research programs that are involved in location of inherited disorders on chromosomes. When DNA fingerprints of relatives that have a history of a particular disorder are studied, or a comparison made in a large group of people with a particular disorder and those without the disorder there can be conclusions made on the identified patterns that are associated with the disease that is in question. This is a crucial first step that has to be made in the designing of a genetic cure for these disorders (Betsch, 2000)

Personal identificationThe fact that every organ or tissue of an individual has the same DNA fingerprint, then some governments have began using programs for the collection of DNA fingerprints and storing them for later uses such as when they are needed to make identifications of individuals who are missing or even casualties. This is particularly important when a body is badly decomposed or if only some body parts are available in cases of natural disasters or wars. The use of DNA fingerprints has proved to be more superior when compared to other strategies like blood typing or dental records that are currently in use. Therefore DNA fingerprints can be used as a genetic barcode to identify individuals (Betsch, 2000)

Forensic or criminal usePolice have begun to use DNA finger prints to link suspects who left some biological evidence in their criminal activities. The evidence that can be used for DNA fingerprinting includes hair, semen stains or blood. They can also be used to prove whether a suspect was present or not present in a crime scene.

Paternity and maternityA child inherits his or her VNTRs from either the mother or the father. These patterns among a parent-child can be used in solving child identification cases that connect to paternity. This is also useful to identify parents of babies that were switched at birth (Betsch, 2000).

Just like everything in the scientific world, there exist problems with DNA fingerprinting. These problems include; generating a high probability this means that the probability of a DNA fingerprint belonging to a specific person needs to be reasonably high especially in criminal cases where the association helps in the establishment of whether the suspect is guilty or innocent. There are problems that are associated with determining probability this occur due to factors such as racial lines within a population. There can also be technical difficulties that may occur during the process of probing that may lead to the development of problems that pertain to the determination of probability (Lieberman, K. & Brinton, 2004).

References

Lieberman, K. & Brinton, k. (2004). Basics of DNA Fingerprinting. Retrieved November 28, 2012 from http://protist.biology.washington.edu/fingerprint/dnaintro.htmlWeb MD. (2012). DNA Fingerprinting. Retrieved November 28, 2012 from http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/dna-fingerprintingBetsch, F.D (2000).DNA fingerprinting in Human Health and Society .Retrieved November 28, 2012 from http://www.biotech.iastate.edu/biotech_info_series/bio6.htmlCliffsNotes.com.(2012).DNA fingerprinting. Retrieved November 28, 2012 from http://www.cliffsnotes.com/WileyCDA/study_guide/DNA-Fingerprinting.topicArticleId-8741,articleId-8628.html?citation=true