8.4.13 Uses of Genetic Fingerprinting

Applications of Genetic Fingerprinting

1. Forensic Science:

• Crime Scene Investigation: Matches DNA evidence (e.g., from hair, blood, or saliva) to suspects, helping identify perpetrators.
• Exoneration: Clears individuals wrongly accused of crimes.

2. Paternity Testing:

• Confirms biological relationships between a child and potential parents by comparing genetic fingerprints.

3. Medical Diagnosis:

• Identifies genetic markers linked to hereditary diseases (e.g., Huntington's disease or cystic fibrosis).
• Detects mutations or predispositions to genetic disorders.

4. Conservation Biology:

• Assesses genetic diversity within populations of endangered species.
• Helps design breeding programmes to minimise inbreeding and maintain genetic health.

5. Animal and Plant Breeding:

• Verifies pedigree in animal breeding programmes.
• Ensures genetic purity and desirable traits in crops and livestock.

6. Evolutionary Studies:

• Compares genetic similarities and differences to establish evolutionary relationships between species.

Key Features of Genetic Fingerprinting

• Utilises Variable Number Tandem Repeats (VNTRs)—regions of non-coding DNA that are highly variable among individuals.
• Involves processes like DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, and visualisation of banding patterns.
• DNA patterns are unique to each individual (except identical twins), making them highly reliable for identification purposes.