DNA Fingerprinting
Chapter Name : Molecular Basis Of Inheritance |
Sub Topic Code : 103_12_06_10_01 |
Topic Name : DNA Fingerprinting |
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Sub Topic Name : DNA Fingerprinting |
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Introduction
DNA profiling (also called DNA testing, DNA typing, or genetic fingerprinting) is a technique employed by forensic scientists to assist in the identification of individuals by their respective DNA profiles.
Real Life Question:
How does DNA fingerprinting take place?
Key Words / FlashCards
| Key Words | Definitions (pref. in our own words) |
|---|---|
| Phenotype | The set of observable characteristics of an individual resulting from the interaction of its genotype with the environment. |
| Polymorphism | The occurrence of different forms among the members of a population or colony. |
| Somatic cells | Any cell of a living organism other than the reproductive cells. |
| Germ cells | An embryonic cell with the potential of developing into a gamete. |
| Allele | One of two or more alternative forms of a gene that arise by mutation and are found at the same place on a chromosome. |
| Monozygotic | Twins that develop from the same zygote (egg) and therefore share 100 percent of their genes. |
| Electrophoresis | The movement of charged particles in a fluid or gel under the influence of an electric field. |
Learning aids / Gadgets
| Gadgets | How it can be used |
|---|---|
| Encyclopedia | Read about the salient features of human genome. |
Places to visit :
Library
Practical examples around us
| Examples | Explainations |
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What you learn in Theory:
Although 99.9% of human DNA sequences are the same in every person, enough of the DNA is different to distinguish one individual from another, unless they are monozygotic twins. DNA profiling uses repetitive ("repeat") sequences that are highly variable, called variable number tandem repeats(VNTRs), particularly short tandem repeats (STRs). VNTR loci are very similar between closely related humans, but so variable that unrelated individuals are extremely unlikely to have the same VNTRs.