APPLICATIONS of DNA Fingerprinting
DNA fingerprinting has a variety of different uses that range from identification of GMO products to determining the mother of a child. Below is a list of a number of different ways DNA fingerprinting has been used.
Human Applications of DNA Fingerprinting
· Paternity and Maternity Tests- DNA fingerprinting can be used to determine the father or a mother of a child because a person inherits his or her VNTRs from his or her parents. The banding patterns of a child are very specific that a parental VNTR pattern can be recreated even if only the child’s VNTRs are known. DNA fingerprinting can be used to determine who the father is in identification cases, confirming legal nationality, adoption and biological parenthood.
· Crime Identification and Forensics- DNA that is taken from blood, skin, hair cells or any other DNA evidence left at the scene of the crime can be compared through the banding patterns of DNA. With the DNA of the culprit and the DNA fingerprints (banding patterns) of a criminal suspect, the authorities are able to determine whether the suspect is guilty or innocence. It can also be used to determine the identity of a homicide victim from DNA found or from the body (More Info)
· Personal Identity- There has been talk throughout the world as using DNA fingerprints as a person’s individual/genetic bar code to identify people in the world, however it may not be put into place in the foreseeable future. For example, the iPhone 5S is an example where DNA fingerprints are used to unlock the phone. (More Info)
· Organ Donation- it allows scientists and doctors to figure out the best possible match for an organ transplant operation, so the foreign organ is not rejected by the host body.
· To identify victims in a disaster
· Using genetics in population to analyze variation within a population or ethnic group
· DNA fingerprint technology can be used as a diagnosis for inherited disorders in children, unborn babies and adults. For example, a bloodstained clothing of Abraham Lincoln was analyzed after his death. This showed evidence of a genetic disorder called Marfan’s Syndrome. Some disorders that can be determined through DNA fingerprinting are cystic fibrosis, hemophilia, Huntington’s disease, familial Alzheimer’s, sickle cell anemia and many more. Early detection of these disorders allows medical staff to prepare themselves and the parents on what should be done in order help the child.
· Developing cures for inherited disorders- by looking at the information contained in DNA fingerprints of relatives who have a history of some particular disorder, or comparing it to a large amount of people with and without the disorder, you are able to identify DNA patterns that are related with the disease.
· DNA fingerprinting can be used to trace ancestors and create a family tree.
Human Applications of DNA Fingerprinting
· Paternity and Maternity Tests- DNA fingerprinting can be used to determine the father or a mother of a child because a person inherits his or her VNTRs from his or her parents. The banding patterns of a child are very specific that a parental VNTR pattern can be recreated even if only the child’s VNTRs are known. DNA fingerprinting can be used to determine who the father is in identification cases, confirming legal nationality, adoption and biological parenthood.
· Crime Identification and Forensics- DNA that is taken from blood, skin, hair cells or any other DNA evidence left at the scene of the crime can be compared through the banding patterns of DNA. With the DNA of the culprit and the DNA fingerprints (banding patterns) of a criminal suspect, the authorities are able to determine whether the suspect is guilty or innocence. It can also be used to determine the identity of a homicide victim from DNA found or from the body (More Info)
· Personal Identity- There has been talk throughout the world as using DNA fingerprints as a person’s individual/genetic bar code to identify people in the world, however it may not be put into place in the foreseeable future. For example, the iPhone 5S is an example where DNA fingerprints are used to unlock the phone. (More Info)
· Organ Donation- it allows scientists and doctors to figure out the best possible match for an organ transplant operation, so the foreign organ is not rejected by the host body.
· To identify victims in a disaster
· Using genetics in population to analyze variation within a population or ethnic group
· DNA fingerprint technology can be used as a diagnosis for inherited disorders in children, unborn babies and adults. For example, a bloodstained clothing of Abraham Lincoln was analyzed after his death. This showed evidence of a genetic disorder called Marfan’s Syndrome. Some disorders that can be determined through DNA fingerprinting are cystic fibrosis, hemophilia, Huntington’s disease, familial Alzheimer’s, sickle cell anemia and many more. Early detection of these disorders allows medical staff to prepare themselves and the parents on what should be done in order help the child.
· Developing cures for inherited disorders- by looking at the information contained in DNA fingerprints of relatives who have a history of some particular disorder, or comparing it to a large amount of people with and without the disorder, you are able to identify DNA patterns that are related with the disease.
· DNA fingerprinting can be used to trace ancestors and create a family tree.
DNA Fingerprinting is not only used for humans but can also be used for animals and plant.
· To study the genetic variability of endangered species in conservation biology
· To test for certain pathogens in food sources
· To determine whether or not something is a genetically modified organism (within plants or food products)
· To compare DNA extracts from fossils to modern day counter parts in evolutionary biology
· To study the genetic variability of endangered species in conservation biology
· To test for certain pathogens in food sources
· To determine whether or not something is a genetically modified organism (within plants or food products)
· To compare DNA extracts from fossils to modern day counter parts in evolutionary biology