By: Radhika Kanjikar (GIIS, Balewadi)
DNA fingerprinting was discovered in 1984 by Sir Alec Jeffreys. He realized that
there were minisatellites in the DNA of an organism which appeared in a certain order. He
used these minisatellites to detect that everyone had patterns in their DNA that were unique to each person.
A VNTR (Variable Number of Tandem Repeats) was used to provide the needed data. It starts with the isolation of DNA from the cells or tissue of the person to be identified. The DNA is then broken down into smaller pieces. A procedure called gel electrophoresis is done to separate the DNA fragments with reference to their size due to the breaking down of the DNA. These fragments are then individually moved onto synthetic material and are made to hybridize with radioactive probes. Finally, the samples are viewed by autoradiography through X-rays. The spatial arrangement of the hybridized radioactive DNA portions is found from the process.
One of the earliest uses of DNA fingerprinting was in forensics. It was used to
determine if there was a connection between evidence and a potential criminal by matching the DNA found at crime scenes or on victims and to the suspects. This increased the accuracy of solving cases as indisputable evidence could be used to prove the guilt or innocence of an individual. Now along with the identification of criminals, it is also used to recognize unknown dead bodies. Another application of DNA fingerprinting is paternity tests, the DNA of two people is compared to conclude if they are related or not.
Along with its many uses, it has its defects. It isn’t always fully accurate as it can be
easily tampered with due to the delicate nature of DNA. Reckless exposure to sunlight, humidity, and heat also causes disturbances. Human errors such as instrumental errors and mislabelling also contribute to the undependable nature of the product. Assuming that everything is handled properly, DNA fingerprinting is an effective tool and with the advancements in technology, soon we will be able to use it to even recognize faces from just DNA. The process will also be more responsive and sensitive. The set of information needed to determine relationships between two samples of DNA will also increase, meaning that other factors will be found that can be used to link people to one another.
DNA fingerprinting thus contributes in various ways and has increased the efficiency
and method of determining relationships between people and will continue to do so in the forthcoming years.
Sources:
1) https://sciencing.com/specific-biotechnology-applications-dna-fingerprinting-23975.html
2) https://www.yourgenome.org/facts/what-is-a-dna-
fingerprint#:~:text=DNA%20fingerprinting%20was%20invented%20in,pattern%20unique%
20to%20an%20individual.
3) https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fevo.2021.646130/full
4) https://investigativegenetics.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/2041-2223-4-22
5) https://www.yourgenome.org/facts/what-is-a-dna-fingerprint
6) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1200713/
7) https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Probe
8) https://www.yourgenome.org/facts/what-is-a-dna-fingerprint
9)https://www.nagwa.com/en/explainers/437104853457/#:~:text=By%20matching%20the%20DNA%20of,and%20help%20identify%20the%20deceased.
10) https://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2018/next-generation-forensics-changing-role-dna-plays-justice-system/
Comments