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DNA Fingerprinting

The DNA inside a single cell is two metres in length. Of this two metres, only 3-5% of the genetic material codes for genes or proteins. The remainder of the DNA strand is called the non-coding or “junk” DNA. The DNA fingerprinting process involves the analysis of these non-coding portions of the DNA strand, generally taken from a sample of hair, saliva or semen. This process is often confused with DNA sampling, which is the analysis of the entire DNA genome.

In 1983 , Sir Alec Jeffreys, a British geneticist from the University of Leicester, introduced the world to genetic fingerprinting. His approach was based on his study of the Southern Blot, a technique first used by E.M. Southern. The Southern Blot uses DNA fragments previously separated by gel electrophoresis that are then transferred to a nitrocellulose membrane. A specific radioactive genetic probe is then allowed to hybridise to complementary fragments, therefore marking their location. Using several restriction enzymes...

Posted by: Justin Rech

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