Question

What is DNA fingerprinting? Write any four applications of DNA fingerprinting.

Answer 1

Fingerprinting is a technique by which we can know everything about the person whose fingerprints we are analyzing.

Complete answer:
DNA Fingerprinting:-

The technique of DNA fingerprinting was introduced by British scientist, Sir Alec Jeffreys in 1984.
DNA fingerprinting is also called as DNA profiling, DNA testing or genetic fingerprinting.
It is a technique employed for determining an individual’s DNA characteristics.
The DNA of every individual is unique in its own way.
DNA fingerprinting is the same for every tissue and organ of a person.

Advantage of DNA fingerprinting:-
The advantage is that the DNA can be isolated from any part of the body, skin cells, blood or semen.

Steps involved in DNA fingerprinting:-

First of all extract the DNA from the source.
Cutting up the DNA using restriction enzymes.
Separate the DNA fragments on gel with the help of process agarose gel electrophoresis.
Transfer the DNA onto a nylon sheet with the help of Southern Blotting.
Add the radioactive probe.
Visualize the results with the help of a technique called autoradiography.

Four applications of DNA fingerprinting:-

This technique is used in paternity disputes.
To diagnose inherited disorders in both prenatal and newborn babies like cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anaemia, etc.
To identify criminals with the help of blood or semen strains, hairs or items of clothing found at the place of crime.
It is also used in the identification of dead bodies of soldiers killed in war.

Note: DNA of every individual is different so it is best to use DNA fingerprinting techniques in case of any disputes. Remember to keep in mind that radioactive probes should be complementary to the targeted DNA.