GENETIC FINGERPRINTING Meaning and
Definition
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Genetic fingerprinting, also known as DNA fingerprinting or DNA profiling, is a scientific technique used to identify and distinguish individuals based on their unique genetic information. It involves analyzing specific regions of an individual's DNA to create a distinct genetic profile that serves as a permanent identification, usually for forensic or paternity purposes.
The process of genetic fingerprinting begins by isolating DNA from a biological sample, which can be obtained from various sources such as blood, saliva, hair, or tissue. Next, specific regions of the DNA, known as polymorphic regions or genetic markers, are amplified using a technique called polymerase chain reaction (PCR). These markers are highly variable among individuals, giving rise to the unique genetic profile.
The amplified DNA fragments are then separated using a technique called gel electrophoresis, which separates the fragments based on their size. This results in a pattern of bands called a DNA fingerprint or profile. Each band represents a different genetic marker and its size, which is determined by the number of repeats within that region. The final DNA fingerprint can be visualized through specialized staining or imaging techniques.
Genetic fingerprinting is highly accurate and reliable due to the uniqueness of an individual's DNA sequence, except in the case of identical twins who share the same genetic makeup. It has revolutionized forensic science, enabling the identification of criminals based on DNA evidence left at crime scenes. It is also widely used in paternity testing, where it compares the genetic profiles of the child and potential parents to determine biological relationships.
Overall, genetic fingerprinting plays a crucial role in identifying individuals and has had significant implications in criminal justice, medicine, and other fields that require accurate identification and determination of biological relationships.
Common Misspellings for GENETIC FINGERPRINTING
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Etymology of GENETIC FINGERPRINTING
The word "genetic fingerprinting" is derived from two main components: "genetic" and "fingerprinting".
- "Genetic" pertains to genes, genetics, or heredity. It is derived from the Latin word "geneticus", which means "of or pertaining to origin or race" and ultimately from the Greek word "genetikos", meaning "genitive" or "generation".
- "Fingerprinting" refers to the process of creating an identification mark or pattern unique to an individual, commonly associated with the ridges on fingertips. The word "fingerprinting" is derived from "fingerprint", which originated from the early 19th-century English word "finger" and the suffix "-print" meaning an impression or mark.
"Genetic fingerprinting" as a term was first coined by British geneticist Alec Jeffreys in the 1980s.
Similar spelling words for GENETIC FINGERPRINTING
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