DNA profiling

Invented in 1985 by Alec Jeffreys, it is a technique used by forensic (i.e., crime-solving) chemists to match biological evidence (e.g., a blood stain) from a crime scene to the person (e.g., the assailant) involved in that particular crime. DNA profiling involves the use of RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphism) analysis or ASO/PCR (allele-specific oligonucleotide/polymerase chain reaction) analysis to analyze the specific sequence of bases (i.e., nucleotides) in a piece of DNA taken from the biological evidence. Since the specific sequence of bases in DNA molecules is different for each individual (due to DNA polymorphism), a criminal’s DNA can be matched to that of the evidence to prove guilt or innocence. Biological evidence may include among other things blood, hair, nail fragments, skin, and sperm.


 


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