In This Article
In This Article
DNA analysis has become one of the most powerful tools and methods for identifying people, their potential genetic matches, and even determining a person's risks for congenital disorders.
By examining the unique code that individuals have in the hereditary material that's been passed down to them from their parents, people can learn more about their heritage and lineage, as well as find out where they may have come from.
DNA analysis works by comparing and contrasting genetic codes between different parties to see where there may be overlaps or differences.
There are several uses for DNA Analysis.
It’s gotten a lot of attention for its role as evidence in the criminal justice system, but there are other uses, too.
It is one of the most accurate methods available for identifying someone. When it became legal and possible to use DNA evidence in criminal cases, it turned the judicial system upside down.
DNA is also used to identify human remains and the identity of the victim. DNA testing will also help evaluate a person’s risk of genetic diseases.
Summary
DNA analysis is an incredibly powerful tool used in criminal investigation, identifying human remains, and bringing together long-lost relatives. It's one of the best ways to identify someone and their genetic matches.
DNA is the hereditary material passed on by parents to their offspring. It holds the instructions needed for the development, growth, and reproduction of an organism.
Nearly every cell in the human body has the same DNA. Most of the DNA is stored in a cell’s nucleus (nuclear DNA), but some are found in the mitochondria (mitochondrial DNA).
DNA is important because it holds vital information that is necessary for life. It also stores hereditary material and genes.
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A person’s DNA code provides a great deal of identifying information about that person through DNA analysis.
DNA analysis came into use in the 1980s when Alec Jeffreys, an English geneticist, discovered how to “unlock” DNA code and use it to identify individuals within a species.
Ever since its discovery, DNA analysis has been used in forensic science. A DNA sample is used in law enforcement agencies as crime scene evidence. Forensic DNA analysis uses a DNA profile to identify criminals, exonerate the innocent, or identify missing persons.
However, as with any technology, DNA analysis isn’t perfect. It presents special challenges when being used to identify someone from someone else.
For example, you can easily use DNA evidence to determine if a mountain lion or a man attacked someone. But identifying which man or which mountain lion did the attacking is another story.
Summary
DNA is the hereditary material that carries all the unique instructions for an individual's growth and development. Despite this, using DNA to identify people isn't perfect, as there are people who do share similar genetic characteristics, and insufficient genetic material can cause problems, especially in criminal or exoneration cases.
DNA sequencing and DNA profiling are terms sometimes used interchangeably. However, they don’t mean the same thing even though there is a relation.
DNA profiling is a forensic technique. A DNA sample is evaluated and used to identify an individual. On the other hand, DNA sequencing is a technique used in the biotech industry that determines the nucleic acid sequence of a particular DNA fragment.
The actual processes of sequencing and profiling are different, too.
Profiling occurs in the STR analysis by PCR and gel electrophoresis. Sequencing occurs in the incorporation of labeled dideoxynucleotides by PCR and nucleotide sequence determination by gel electrophoresis.
Molecular biology uses both, which provides valuable information about a person’s biological identity.
Summary
Despite being used interchangeably, DNA sequencing and DNA profiling are very different. DNA profiling is used more often in forensics to identify suspects, while sequencing is used in the biotech industry to determine sequences in DNA fragments.
There are two techniques used for sampling, including:
The size of the sample determines which of these two methods will work best.
DNA samples are collected in different ways, but only three sources are used in DNA analysis:
Samples from any of these three sources can provide information about a situation involving DNA. These sources are processed inside forensic laboratories to confirm or deny a connection to a particular situation.
From the sources listed above, you collect samples in one of several ways, including:
Investigators collect samples from various places, including directly from the subject, from items he or she has touched, or from a sample “left behind,” such as a hair that fell out.
Summary
You can collect DNA in several ways, and most are non-invasive and pain-free, such as tissue, hair, dandruff, etc. Depending on the size of the sample, DNA is tested via:
People who study DNA predict a variety of developments in the future. These predictions include:
Summary
DNA analysis experts predict even quicker and more efficient processes around analysis and profiling in the next decade or so. Not only will it become more effective, use will also be more internationally widespread.
With all the benefits that come with using DNA evidence, there are also pitfalls.
DNA isn’t perfect, though it’s closer to perfect than many other types of evidence. However, human error or bias corrupts the analysis of DNA evidence. This could result in linking innocent people to crimes and pointing to “airtight” evidence as proof when it’s not completely reliable.
Privacy concerns also exist.
Conducting familial searches exposes people not connected to criminal activity and pulls them into a situation. It might even expose family connections people didn’t know existed.
Finally, racial disparities exist when it comes to DNA analysis.
Because more African American men have their DNA stored in state and federal databases, there is a higher risk of surveillance on minority communities.
Overall, there is a concern that DNA analysis could lead to the creation of a “genetic dragnet” and bring people with no direct link to crime into an investigation, exposing their privacy for no reason.
Summary
Because of human error, disparities, and bias, innocent people still get convicted for crimes they did not do, even with the help of DNA analysis. Privacy concerns are also a big cause of concern for many, as they feel their private lives may be invaded even if they haven't committed any criminal activity.
Various types of modern biotechnology depend on DNA technology. Some of the most common ones include polymerase chain reaction, DNA sequencing and cloning, and gel electrophoresis.
Analyzing DNA has opened up a lot of doors for the improvement of technology. It has undoubtedly changed lives and revolutionized the way we do things.
Aside from forensic science and its applications in crime scene investigations, DNA technology is also used to develop therapeutic products such as vaccines, anti-cancer drugs, and growth hormones. Additionally, it plays an essential role in the manufacturing of genetically modified products.
Furthermore, DNA technology is an essential component in energy applications and diagnosis.
Summary
DNA has helped many industries come a long way. From anti-cancer drugs to vaccines to exonerating some victims of wrongful incarceration, just to name a few. It will continue to open up new doors and discoveries.
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