DNA FINGERPRINTING TECHNOLOGY

By Kanika Sori B.Tech (BT), 2nd year 10111015

WHAT IS DNA FINGERPRINTING?

In genetics, DNA Fingerprinting or DNA profiling is a method of isolating and making images of sequences of DNA. It is a technique used by scientists to distinguish between the individuals of the same species using only samples of their DNA.

WHO INVENTED IT?

It was at 9am on Monday September 15, 1984 when Sir Alec Jeffreys experienced a rare, serendipitous moment in science while removing some X-ray film from its developing tank. He had been looking for good genetic markers for basic genetic analysis, but had accidentally stumbled upon a way of establishing a human's genetic identification. By that afternoon, he and his colleagues had named their discovery DNA fingerprinting. His technique has subsequently been applied to a wide range of problems in genetics. These include developing genetic markers for medical research and the diagnosis of inherited disorders.

DNA FINGERPRINT TECHNIQUE

Different individuals carry different alleles. Most alleles useful for DNA fingerprinting differ on the number of repetitive base sequences they contain. Stage 1: Cells are broken down to release DNA. If only small amount of DNA is available it can be amplified using PCR. Stage 2: DNA is cut with a restriction enzyme that recognizes sites on either side of the region that varies, DNA fragments of different sizes will be produced. A DNA fingerprint is made by analyzing the different sizes of DNA fragments produced from a number of different sites that vary within the genome.

Stage 3: Fragments are separated on the basis of size using Gel Electrophoresis. DNA being negatively charged moves towards the anode.

A radioactive substance is added which combines with the DNA fragments to produce a fluorescent image. A photographic copy of the DNA bands is obtained. Stage 4: The pattern of fragment distribution is then analyzed.

RESULTS

In a standard DNA fingerprint, as many as a dozen sites can be analyzed with each site having many possible combinations of alleles. When many genes are analyzed, each with many different alleles the chance that two sites will match is 1 in 100 billion when no lab err is factored in.

Unlike a conventional fingerprint that occurs only on the fingertips and can be altered by surgery, a DNA fingerprint is the same for every cell, tissue, and organ of a person. It cannot be altered by any known treatment. Consequently, DNA fingerprinting is rapidly becoming the primary method for identifying and distinguishing among individual human beings.

DNA FINGERPRINTING CAN BE USED IN

PATERNITY TESTING OR MURDER CASES

An additional application of DNA fingerprint technology is the diagnosis of inherited disorders in adults, children, and unborn babies. It is also used in breeding programs in a number of zoos and conservation centers to establish family relationships within captive colonies of endangered species of animals and birds to minimize inbreeding and maintain genetic diversity. The technology is so powerful that, for example, even the blood-stained clothing of Abraham Lincoln could be analyzed for evidence of a genetic disorder called Marfan's Syndrome.

PROBLEMS WITH DNA TESTING

Many have questioned the validity of DNA fingerprinting test results. Because the burden of proof is on the forensic scientists, there are safeguards in place to be sure that DNA fingerprinting results are accurate. The first is the control DNA that runs through the tests alongside the suspect's DNA and the DNA found at the crime scene. If the control DNA tests properly, then the DNA in question tests properly as well. Another safeguard in place is that the test is run four times using four different restriction enzymes. In order to be absolutely positive of a match, all four sets of DNA from the crime scene must match all four sets of DNA from the suspect. With these safeguards in place, the odds are one in 70 billion (140 times Earth's population) that the results are inaccurate.

REFERENCES

Rosner, D. 2004. How Does DNA Fringerprinting Work? http://www.thenakedscientists.com/HTML/articles/article/dalya column8.htm/ Sha, K. 2004. How Does a DNA Paternity Test Work? http://www.thetech.org/genetics/ask.php?id=20 Author Unknown http://fig.cox.miami.edu/~cmallery/150/gene/mol_gen.htm