Question
Biology Question on DNA fingerprinting
Which aspect forms the basis of DNA finger- printing?
The amount of DNA found in samples of blood, saliva and skin.
The ratio of purines and pyrimidines present in DNA.
The Sequence of DNA present in the ridges and grooves of finger-prints
The Satellite DNA showing high degree of repetition in DNA segments
The Satellite DNA showing high degree of repetition in DNA segments
Solution
DNA fingerprinting, also known as DNA profiling or genetic fingerprinting, is a technique used to identify and analyze unique patterns in an individual's DNA. It relies on the presence of specific regions in the genome that exhibit high levels of repetitive DNA sequences known as satellite DNA. These repetitive sequences, such as short tandem repeats (STRs), are unique to each individual (except identical twins) and can be used to distinguish one person's DNA from another.
The process of DNA fingerprinting involves isolating DNA from a sample (such as blood, saliva, or skin cells), amplifying specific regions of the DNA using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and then analyzing the sizes and patterns of the amplified DNA fragments. By comparing the DNA fragment sizes and patterns between different individuals, it is possible to determine if they share a common genetic profile or if they are different.
Therefore, it is the repetitive sequences, particularly satellite DNA regions, that serve as the basis for DNA fingerprinting and enable the identification and differentiation of individuals based on their unique genetic profiles.