DNA fingerprinting and gel electrophoresis

DNA Fingerprinting DNA fingerprinting is a test to identify and evaluate the genetic information-called DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)-in a person’s cells. It is called a “fingerprint“ because it is very unlikely that any two people would have exactly the same DNA information, in the same way that it is very unlikely that any two people would have exactly the same physical fingerprint. The test is used to determine whether a family relationship exists between two people, to identify organisms causing a disease, and to solve crimes. Only a small sample of cells is needed for DNA fingerprinting. A drop of blood or the root of a hair contains enough DNA for testing. Semen, hair, or skin scrapings are often used in criminal investigations . A person who has DNA fingerprinting done voluntarily usually provides a sample of blood taken from a vein. DNA testing also can be done on cells obtained by a simple mouthwash or a swab of the cheeks inside the mouth, but these methods are not recommended. Why It Is Done DNA fingerprinting is done to: Find out who a person’s parents or siblings are. This test also may be used to identify the parents of babies who were switched at birth. Solve crimes (forensic science). Blood, semen, skin, or other tissue left at the scene of a crime can be analyzed to help prove whether the suspect was or was not present at the crime scene. Identify a body. This is useful if the body is badly decomposed or if only body parts are available, such as following a natural disaster or a battle. #DNAFingerprinting #DNA #test #ForensicScience #genetics #GelElectrophoresis #DNAMarker #DNABands #usingAGelElectrophoresisMachine #howDoesAGelElectrophoresisMachineWork #restrictionEnzymes #basePairs #DNAFragments #howDNAMovesThroughGelElectrophoresis #DNALadder #semilogGraph #purposeOfGelElectrophoresis #biotechnology #highSchool #electrophoresis #stepsInElectrophoresis #NikolaysGeneticsLessons