What is DNA fingerprinting?
DNA fingerprinting, also known as DNA profiling, is a technique used to identify individuals based on their unique DNA patterns.
It analyzes specific DNA sequences, primarily short tandem repeats (STRs), to create a unique genetic profile for each person. This technique
is widely used in forensics, paternity testing, and other applications where individual identification is crucial.
How it works?
1. DNA Extraction:
DNA is extracted from biological samples, such as blood, hair, or saliva.
2. Amplification:
Specific regions of DNA, often short tandem repeats (STRs), are amplified using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
STRs are areas of DNA where a short sequence of nucleotides is repeated multiple times, and the number of repeats varies between individuals
3. Fragment Separation:
The amplified DNA fragments are then separated based on size using gel electrophoresis.
This technique uses an electrig field to move the negatively charged DNA fragments through a gel matrix, with smaller fragments traveling faster and further than larger ones
4. Visualization:
The separated DNA fragments are visualized, often by staining and using UV light or by creating an autoradiograph.
5. Binarization:
The resulting DNA profile (a pattern of bands) is then compared to other profiles to determine matches or identify individuals.
Each band position on the gel can be represented as a "1" if a band is present and a "O" if it's absent, creating a binary string.