Background

• Almost every cell in our body contains our DNA. 
• On average, about 99.9 per cent of the DNA between two humans is the same. 
• The remaining percentage is what makes us unique (the only exceptions being multiple individuals from a single zygote, such as identical twins). 
• Although this might sound like a small amount, it means that there are around three million base pairs that are different between two people. 
• These differences can be compared and used to help distinguish a person from others.  
• Minisatellites are short sequences (10-60 base pairs long) of repetitive DNA that show greater variation from one person to the next than other parts of the genome. 
• This variation is exhibited in the number of repeated units or ‘stutters’ in the minisatellite sequence.
• The first minisatellite was discovered in 1980. 

What is a DNA fingerprint?

• DNA profiling, DNA testing, DNA analysis, Genetic profile, DNA identification, genetic fingerprinting, and genetic analysis are some of the popular names used for DNA fingerprinting.
• DNA fingerprinting is a method used to identify an individual from a sample of DNA by looking at unique patterns in their DNA.
• DNA fingerprinting was invented in 1984 by Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys after he realised that variations could be detected in human DNA, in the form of these minisatellites. 
• DNA fingerprinting is a technique that simultaneously detects lots of minisatellites in the genome to produce a pattern unique to an individual. This is a DNA fingerprint.
• The probability of having two people with the same DNA fingerprint that are not identical twins is very small. 
• Just like the actual fingerprint, our DNA fingerprint is something we are born with, it is unique to each of us.

Applications

• It is employed usually in criminal verification and crime scene investigation. 
• However, it is also applicable to establishing a relationship between two persons and to know someone’s identity. 
• The testing method is practiced not only for humans but also for any organisms present on earth.
• It is also used to identify inherited genetic diseases and can be used to identify genetic matches between tissue donors and recipients. 
• DNA fingerprinting is also a valuable tool for confirming pedigree in animals, such as purebred dogs and racehorses.

What are some concerns about the use of DNA fingerprinting?

• Sample contamination, faulty preparation procedures, and mistakes in interpretation of results are major sources of error in DNA fingerprinting. 
• These issues can cause discrepancies between biological proof and legal proof in court cases. 
• In forensics, large amounts of high-quality DNA are needed, yet forensic DNA samples frequently are degraded or are collected postmortem, rendering them of lower quality and subject to producing less reliable results than samples obtained from a living individual. 

Why in News?

A draft report of the parliamentary standing committee on science and technology has flagged some alarming provisions that could be misused for caste or community-based profiling.

Reference:

1. https://www.yourgenome.org/facts/what-is-a-dna-fingerprint
2. https://www.britannica.com/science/DNA-fingerprinting
3. https://geneticeducation.co.in/dna-fingerprinting-definition-steps-methods-and-applications/#Applications_of_DNA_fingerprinting