DNA Profiling

About

DNA Profiling (also known as DNA fingerprinting or genetic fingerprinting) is a forensic technique used to identify individuals by analyzing unique characteristics of their DNA.
While human DNA is 99.9% identical, the remaining 0.1% includes unique sequences called Short Tandem Repeats (STRs) or Microsatellites, which are crucial for DNA Profiling.
DNA can be obtained from any biological material since the same DNA sequence is present in every cell of the body.
Common sources include saliva, semen, vaginal fluids, blood, body tissues, teeth, hair, and bones. However, the amount of DNA varies across these materials.
- Blood and saliva are rich in DNA, while teeth and hair roots contain less DNA, making them less ideal for extraction.

DNA:

DNA is deoxyribonucleic acid, and it is genetic material present in the nuclei of cells in living organisms.

DNA is often used in solving crimes. But how does DNA profiling actually work?

It is double helixed in structure, supercoiled to form chromosomes along with intercalated proteins.
All information about internal organization, physical characteristics, and physiological functions of the body is encoded in DNA molecules in a language (sequence) of alphabets of four nucleotides or bases : Adenine (A), Guanine (G), Thymine (T), and Cytosine (C), along with the sugar phosphate backbone.

Applications of DNA Profiling

Criminal Investigations: Used to match DNA from crime scenes (e.g., blood, hair) with suspects, helping to identify or exclude individuals involved in a crime.
Paternity and Maternity Testing: Confirms biological relationships, establishing parentage for legal, medical, or personal reasons.
Identification of Missing Persons: Helps in identifying unknown or missing individuals, especially in cases of natural disasters, accidents, or war.
Identification of racial groups: DNA fingerprinting helps identify genetic differences among racial groups, which can provide insights into human evolution and migration patterns.
Diagnosis of inherited disorders: DNA fingerprinting is useful in diagnosis of inherited disorders which include Hungtington’s diseases, sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, cystic fibrosis, hemophilia etc.,

Did you know?

The first case in India to use DNA evidence was a paternity dispute case in 1991, Kunhiraman vs Manoj. The Kerala High Court accepted DNA fingerprinting evidence as infallible evidence in a court of law for the first time in India.

DNA Barcoding vs DNA Fingerprinting:

DNA barcoding is a method of specimen identification using short, standardized segments of DNA.
While DNA Fingerprinting identifies individuals within a species, DNA Barcoding distinguishes between species.
- DNA barcoding identifies species by analyzing unique gene sequences, helping distinguish between closely related species.

Applications of DNA Barcoding:

It supports biodiversity monitoring and conservation efforts by tracking species populations and detecting illegal wildlife trade.
It ensures the authenticity of food products by identifying adulteration in processed foods.

Did you know?

The Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD) is an autonomous organization funded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science and Technology.
Located in Hyderabad, the mandate of CDFD is to carry out basic and applied research in DNA fingerprinting and related analysis, to establish DNA diagnostic methods for detecting genetic disorders and develop probes for such detection, and provide training in DNA fingerprinting techniques.

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