DNA Fingerprinting

Biology > Genetics
Criminology > Forensics
Medical and Health > Medical Studies

DNA Fingerprinting

A description of DNA fingerprinting, how it is performed, and its use in determining genetic disorders and providing evidence in court cases.

1,159 words () | 3 sources | MLA | 2009 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper describes DNA fingerprinting, which is a useful technique that was first used by health officials to detect genetic disease, but is now also playing a significant role in court cases. The writer explains that each person has their own unique set of DNA and the chance of someone having the same DNA is about one in a million. The writer then describes the six basic steps involved in carrying out DNA fingerprinting in a laboratory. The first use of DNA evidence in a court case in 1987 in Britain, when it brought a conviction for rape and homicide, is also described. Once its usefulness in identifying a person's guilt or innocence was realized, a program was set up in the U.S. for collecting DNA from all convicted criminals, and a database was established in 1994 called the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). Other uses of DNA fingerprinting are also summarized.

From the Paper:

"DNA predetermines characteristics of living organisms. Half of a person's makeup comes from each parent. DNA resembles a staircase that is zipped up by two stands that alternate containing the nucleotides Adenine which pairs with Thymine and Cytosine which pairs with Guanine. These are the basic building blocks that make up DNA and have a backbone that consists of sugars and phosphates that are joined together by ester bonds. Each strand of DNA is linked and codes into various amino acids that are used by the body such as Alanine or Glycine. Organisms all have different physical and chemical characteristics because of the variance of their DNA sequences."

Sample of Sources Used:

Adler, Freda, et al. Criminal Justice. New York, NY: McGraw Hill Company, 2009.
"Overturning Convictions." Time 169 (2007): 16.
Rothstein, Mark A., and Meghan K. Talbott. "The Expanding Use of DNA in Law Enforcement: What Role for Privacy?" 34 (2006): 153-164.