What is DNA profiling and how does it work?
1 Answer
DNA profiling is a forensic technique used to identify individuals by characteristics of their DNA.
Explanation:
The process begins with the collection of sample of an individual's DNA.This sample is then analysed to create the individuals DNA profile using one of the following techniques -
1) restriction fragment length polymorphism.
2) polymerase chain reaction
3) short tandem repeats
4) amplified fragment length polymorphism
These techniques are widely applied to determine genetic family relationships, or to determine clear identities such as those of missing people.
Majority of DNA sequences are the same in every person. However enough of the DNA is different , that is possible to distinguish one individual from another. DNA profiling uses repeatetive sequences that are highly variable in particular short tandem repeats. These are so variable that unrelated individuals are extremely unlikely to have the same sequences.
