Introduction of DNA Fingerprinting

DNA fingerprinting has also other different names such as DNA typing, genetic fingerprinting or DNA profiling etc. It is a method used in the laboratory, which allows identifying individuals on the basis of their DNA’s unique patterns which can be found in their biological samples like in blood, hair, or semen etc. It is considered one of the great discoveries of the last century as it has changed the way forensics and investigations proceed in this era. The method was invented in 1984 by Alec Jeffreys, who was a British scientist. It is important to know that first DNA technique was based on sequence called mini-satellite. The technique found that every individual ahs unique sequences patterns, which makes them different from others, and there was only one exception found, which was relevant to identical twins. Different kind of DNA profiling is available like one is called polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and the other is called restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). The DNA profiling is used for different purposes, which will be discussed in further discussion (PHILLIPS, 2018)

Different Fields using DNA Fingerprinting

The DNA profiling has proved to be a great discovery for many fields, so different fields are getting the benefits of using DNA profiling or fingerprinting. Some of the fields are mentioned below:

Forensics of DNA Fingerprinting

In the forensics, the role and use of DNA fingerprinting has become so important in different ways. It has great ability to identify the suspects as the real culprits, or it can prove people innocent and not guilty of a crime. The DNA profiling process is not an easy one, as it is often depicted on TV crime shows, but it is certainly sued in the cases, when it is hard to find that how the culprit is. Then DNA samples are collected from the crime scene, from the victim’s body and from suspects, and then in forensics labs, these DNA’s are profiled to find any matches. If DNA sample of a suspect matches with the DNA collected from crime scene, then it is very much ascertain that suspect is the one, who committed the crime. The DNA samples are also used to identify a body even it is decomposed (Sullivan, 1994). The first evidence of its use in forensics dates back to 1986 in England, when the process was used to solve a case of rape & murder. The process proved helpful in that case (Kamath, 2013).

Figure 1: Use of DNA fingerprinting in Forensics to find the Criminals  

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/dna-profiling

 The above figure shows that how DNA profiling is used in forensics. The victim as well as suspect’s blood cell is taken and rapist’s sperm sample is obtained. Then the DNA profiling process is applied on these samples to find the truth (Kamath, 2013)

Verification of Identity of DNA Fingerprinting

If there is question mark on any individual’s identity and his/her identification is needed with correct answer, then DNA fingerprinting is the most authentic method to use. If it is not know and has to be determined that who is the father of a girl or boy, then DNA fingerprinting method can take samples from both individuals, and it can give correct answer that if someone is someone’s father or not. If any person or child goes missing due to some reasons, and later a point comes to determine that what is his/her actual identity, then DNA fingerprinting would be the solution for this problem. In terms of inheritance cases, the DNA profiling is also used to determine the relationship between individuals (PHILLIPS, 2018)

Medicine Field of DNA Fingerprinting

The use of DNA fingerprinting is quickly increasing in the field of medicine due to several reasons. One of its important and critical uses is related with marrow or organ donation as it helped to find genetic matches for this process. The other great thing about DNA profiling is its use in personalized medical care, especially related to cancer patients so they can get personalize treatment for their disease. It is going to be a great thing for cancer research. The DNA profiling is also being used for medical diagnosis as well, which helps to find that what a patient is carrying in terms of genetic condition (PHILLIPS, 2018)

Agriculture Field of DNA Fingerprinting

The other field, which is getting benefits from DNA fingerprinting, is the agriculture field. A great development has been made in different aspects like in molecular biology and biotechnology, which has allowed controlling the traits of plants with the help of DNA. The agriculture field can have various benefits from DNA as it can help to get crop breeding programs more efficient, and help to get protection of germplasm resources. The quality as well as output for various agricultural products can also be improved, and DNA can also be considerable to protect the earth’s eco-environment (Fang, Zhu, Wang, & Shangguan, 2016)

The Future of DNA Fingerprinting of DNA Fingerprinting

Looking at its present use and benefits being obtained from this technology, it is more likely that future of DNA fingerprinting is brighter as well as promising. The technology ahs various pros and cons, but its pros are more important as they can be instrumental in so many fields. It has become so important for different fields like it helps to solve complex crimes, where things look to be vague to find the culprits. It can be a great tool for verification of identity like finding paternal matches. The other great thing about DNA profiling is its ability to give identification to even decomposed bodies, as well as helping the innocent ones to prove their innocence in criminal cases. The method has few problems too like it can have error in results, but in majority, it is a reliable method to use. Moreover, it is a time taking and complex process, involved various steps. But as the technology is getting better with the passage of time, and improvements are being made in DNA fingerprinting, it can be said that its future is going to be bright. The role of DNA profiling is going to be more crucial in so many fields in the future as the things are looking promising in this regard.

 References of DNA Fingerprinting

Fang, J., Zhu, X., Wang, C., & Shangguan, L. (2016). Applications of DNA Technologies in Agriculture. Current Genomics , 17 (4), 379–386.

Kamath, A. (2013). Leon E. Rosenberg and Diane Drobnis Rosenberg: Human Genes and Genomes: Science, Health, Society. Human Genetics , 132 (1), 117–117.

PHILLIPS, T. (2018). Learn About DNA Fingerprinting and How It Is Used. Retrieved December 12, 2018, from https://www.thebalance.com/what-is-dna-fingerprinting-and-how-is-it-used-375554

Sullivan, K. M. (1994). Forensic applications of DNA fingerprinting. Molecular Biotechnology , 1 (1), 13–27.