Genetic Fingerprinting

Introduction

Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA ) fingerprinting is a technique for determining that a genetic material came from a particular individual or group . As DNA is used to probe our heredity , it also has the power to condemn and save a person . DNA fingerprinting has been widely used in forensic medicine as well as to inform us about our present circumstances and to predict our future health . The video on Genetic Fingerprinting ' is filled with information about the positive and negative effects of DNA analysis

What I have learned from the Video p

The groundbreaking technology that we used to watch on science fiction movies is slowly becoming a reality . In the past , we have never dreamed or imagined that our DNA could be instantly identified similar to what we saw in the film , Galactica . The fictitious scenes that we have viewed in many movies have turned into reality scenes that are proven by scientific studies and may be witnessed without the need for camera tricks

In the video , I have learned that our deoxyribonucleic acid or DNA is almost similar to our fingerprint . We have 13 DNA regions and scientists examine these specific regions in the form of genetic strand . Strands are created through blood , saliva and other body samples and these are used to identity a particular person . Except for the identical twins that have nearly identical markers , our DNA is unique and its match is 100 full proof

The informative film taught us that apart from using DNA testing in solving crimes , there is a growing number of applications for DNA analysis . First , it is now widely used for paternity test . One of the most popular benefits of DNA testing was in the identification of Larry Birkhead as the real father of Anna Nicole Smith 's daughter . Second , DNA will benefit the recipients of organ donations as it is now easy to determine if the organ donor is a perfect match . Third , DNA analysis can be used to authenticate the quality of food . This helps scientist in identifying popular foods and drinks . Hence , whenever there are concerns on the authenticity of some products like the Chinese toothpaste , DNA testing would come in handy . Fourth , to prevent the growing problem of sports memorabilia fraud , the National Football League has tagged the sports memorabilia for superbowl 34 with synthetic DNA strands . Lastly the most popular and widely accepted use of DNA testing is for solving crimes as the identification of the victims and the accused could be done within a short period of time . In this manner , the criminal investigators can get people out of jail sooner and eliminate suspects faster . In cases where the victims ' fingerprints and faces could not be used for identification , DNA testing would be beneficial for the victims ' families

As DNA analysis technology continues to improve , people become concern about the moral , ethical and privacy issues . After watching the video , I am looking into the possibility that DNA testing could be abused as our DNA samples are...