A laboratory procedure in which individuals are identified by their deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). DNA fingerprinting is based on the fact that everyone has a unique set of genes and DNA. The technique, also called DNA typing or DNA profiling, is used by forensic scientists and police laboratories as evidence in criminal proceedings or t o establish paternity. A related type of DNA testing is used to diagnose inherited disorders, such as cystic fibrosis, hemophilia, and sickle cell anemia. To construct a DNA fingerprint, a tiny sample is taken from body tissue or fluid, such as hair, blood, or saliva. The sample of DNA is further divided into smaller pieces by enzymes and sorted according to size, using a process called electrophoresis. The segments are marked and exposed on X-ray film, where they form a characteristic pattern of black bars-the DNA fingerprint.
A distinctive pattern of bands formed by repeating sequences of base pairs of satellite DNA. The identification of the pattern can help establish the origin of tissues and body fluids, and identify bacterial strains in infectious outbreaks.