DNA Fingerprinting

DNA Fingerprinting

DNA Fingerprinting is the graphic representation of 16 specific Alleles (Variants of Genes) at specific Locations. These are called DNA Markers.

Human genome consisting of all genes and chromosomes is a jungle of neurons and the information embedded on them. For the purpose of defending an accused it is of no use.

16 DNA Markers i.e. Alleles and loci

For the purpose of matching DNA of two individuals only 16 DNA Markers are used. 16 particulars locations called loci have been earmarked by the scientists. A particular variant of gene is called Allele. The Alleles present on these 16 particular loci are studied. A combination of a particular location on the chromosome and the particular Allele found on that location is called a DNA Marker. There are 16 DNA Markers in all.

All these 16 DNA markers are shown in column 2 of the table below:

Table: Showing 16 DNA Fingerprinting Markers

vWA is found on Chromosome 12 and is related to the blood clot formation

TPOX is Human Thyroid Peroxidase Gene on Chromosome 2,

FGA Fibrinogen Alpha Chain on chromosome 3,

Short Tandem Repeats STR

All Alleles are made up of four base pairs or bps. These base pairs are A = Adenine, T = Thymine, G = Guanine and C = Cytosine. These are simply written A, T, C & G.

These base pairs A, T, C & G repeat themselves in a random fashion in the structures of the DNA Markers or particularly the Alleles. Every Allele has a particular number of repeats of base pairs or bps. In some Alleles there are four repeats and in some other Alleles there are 9 or 11 repeats of the bps. These randomized repeat of the bps in the structure of the Alleles are called STRs.

For a complete study of STRs the authorities use Gene Mapper ID-X Software. This software shows the peaks of graphs of 16 DNA Markers.

1. DNA Evidence can be Fabricated
2. False Semen Generation
3. Distance Advocacy