2006-10-31 17:55:09 · 7 answers · asked by Shawn p 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
It is used to determine if one sample of DNA matches another. This is highly useful in crime scenes and for identifying family heritage.
To perform DNA testing, a sample of DNA is cut up with a "restriction enzyme", an enzyme that cuts only in certain areas. "Southern Blotting" is then performed, where the DNA is run through an electric current and sorted by fragment length. If the DNA samples match, the fragments should have been cut in equal sizes and display an identical pattern; if the samples are from related people, they should be somewhat similar.
2006-10-31 18:08:42 · answer #1 · answered by John H 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
DNA Test is a scientific process that can ensure positive identity
2006-10-31 18:01:41 · answer #2 · answered by God R 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Genetic fingers, DNA testing, DNA typing, and DNA profiling are techniques used to distinguish between individuals of the same species using only samples of their DNA. Its invention by Sir Alec Jeffreys at the University of Leicester was announced in 1985. Two humans will have the vast majority of their DNA sequence in common. Genetic fingerprinting exploits highly variable repeating sequences called minisatellites. Two unrelated humans will be likely to have different numbers of minisatellites at a given locus. By using PCR to detect the number of repeats at several loci, it is possible to establish a match that is extremely unlikely to have arisen by coincidence, except in the case of identical twins, who will have identical genetic profiles.
Genetic fingerprinting is used in forensic science, to match suspects to samples of blood, hair, saliva or semen. It has also led to several exonerations of formerly convicted suspects. It is also used in such applications as identifying human remains, paternity testing, match organ donors, studying populations of wild animals, and establishing the province or composition of foods. It has also been used to generate hypotheses on the pattern of the human diaspora in prehistoric times.
Testing is subject to the legal code of the jurisdiction in which it is performed. Usually the testing is voluntary, but it can be made compulsory by such instruments as a search warrant or court order. Several jurisdictions have also begun to assemble databases containing DNA information of convicts.
The United Kingdom currently has the most extensive DNA database in the world, with well over 2 million records as of 2005: The National DNA Database (NDNAD). The size of this database, and its rate of growth, is giving concern to civil liberties groups in the UK, where police have wide-ranging powers to take samples and retain them even in the event of acquittal
2006-10-31 18:58:18 · answer #3 · answered by TIMEPASS 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's where they test you to see if you have DNA. I think it involves a stun-gun and a laser-pointer (thought I might have heard that somewhere). Don't listen to me though. I don't know much about fancy book-learnin'.
Seriously, though, you know you can google this kind of stuff?
2006-10-31 18:15:37 · answer #4 · answered by Brandon 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its a genetic test.. it determines identity and verify parentage...
2006-11-01 06:09:28 · answer #5 · answered by Xo sUmMeR kIsSeSz Xo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
why??? you going on Jerry Springer?? Maury Povich???
2006-10-31 18:14:11 · answer #6 · answered by Stonerscientist 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
finding out your true heritage.
2006-10-31 17:56:14 · answer #7 · answered by luyanu yang 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋