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Extraction: DNA Typing

DNA typing, also known as DNA profiling or fingerprinting, is a forensic procedure developed by Sir Alec Jeffreys in 1984 to analyze DNA from biological samples for identity verification and kinship. The process involves extraction, quantitation, amplification using PCR, and separation of DNA fragments through gel or capillary electrophoresis. While DNA fingerprinting offers benefits such as solving crimes and reducing wrongful convictions, it also raises privacy concerns and the potential for misuse.

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14 views2 pages

Extraction: DNA Typing

DNA typing, also known as DNA profiling or fingerprinting, is a forensic procedure developed by Sir Alec Jeffreys in 1984 to analyze DNA from biological samples for identity verification and kinship. The process involves extraction, quantitation, amplification using PCR, and separation of DNA fragments through gel or capillary electrophoresis. While DNA fingerprinting offers benefits such as solving crimes and reducing wrongful convictions, it also raises privacy concerns and the potential for misuse.

Uploaded by

H.alsheikh
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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DNA Typing

Have you ever been in a crime scene where all you hear forensics’ saying is, DNA typing? Then another
saying DNA profiling whereas another says DNA fingerprinting. Well you are probably wondering, when
science turn into computer technology. To make matters more bizarre, these three computer
technology sounding names are all the same. What are they? DNA typing is a procedure wherein DNA
extracted from a biological sample obtained from an individual is analyzed. Sir Alec Jeffreys developed
DNA typing in 1984. How do crime scenes and DNA profiling correlate? Well let’s dive deeper together!

Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys was one of the first to discover inherited variation in human DNA. He
furthermore proceeded to invent DNA fingerprinting showcasing how it can be used to find solutions to
issues regarding identity and kinship and thus creating the field of forensic DNA. Some other uses of
DNA typing are; firstly, medical reasons e.g. (matching tissue of an organ or marrow donors with
transplant patients also identifying hereditary health conditions etc.). Secondly, population genetics.
Thirdly, paternity tests. Fourthly, immigration cases and last but most definitely not least, identifying
biological sex of a crime scene. Jeffreys' DNA method was initially used in a contentious immigration
case in 1985, when he was required to establish the identify of a British youngster whose family was
originally from Ghana. When the DNA findings showed that the boy was closely linked to the rest of the
family, the matter was closed, and Jeffreys saw the mother's relief when she got the news. Most of the
genome is identical between different people, however there are some differences that make us
unique. DNA profiling takes advantage of these differences to create unique DNA profiles.

Extraction The extraction phase is responsible for splitting open the nucleus and releasing the DNA
molecules into solution, which is located within the nucleus of cells throughout the body. It is also
possible to separate the DNA molecules from any other cellular material or debris that may be present
in a biological sample during this process.

Quantitation One of the requirements that all DNA testing labs must meet is that the DNA obtained
from an extraction is human rather than from a different source, such as bacteria. This is accomplished
by quantitation, which involves determining the quality and quantity of DNA in a sample. Furthermore,
because most amplification technologies require a limited range of input DNA, measuring the amount of
DNA in a sample is critical for success in the next step.

Amplification Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is a technique for amplification of DNA (PCR). PCR is
a procedure that allows you to make millions of copies of a certain DNA sequence in just a few hours.
This is critical for forensic DNA samples since the quantity and quality of DNA found at crime scenes is
generally restricted. For gel electrophoresis, amplification is achieved by using primers which flank the
region by binding to the DNA on each side of the STR (A string of repeating nucleotide units, where the
number of units varies between people). For capillary electrophoresis amplification is achieved by using
fluorescent primers which flank the region by binding to the DNA on each side of the STR. People have
STRs that are different lengths (i.e. different number of nucleotides).

Gel Electrophoresis Gel electrophoresis is used in DNA fingerprinting to distinguish between


samples of genetic material. Human DNA molecules are treated with enzymes that cut them at specific
locations, resulting in a collection of smaller bits. The DNA fragments are injected onto a gel and placed
in an electrical field, where they are electrophoretically separated into different bands.
Capillary Electrophoresis The primers for each STR is labelled with a specific colored fluorescent
tag. This makes it easier to identify and record the STR sequences after PCR. Once enough copies of the
sequence have been produced by PCR, electrophoresis is used to separate the fragments according to
size. Each fragment passes by a laser which causes the fragments with fluorescent tags to glow with a
specific color. The output is displayed as a series of colored peaks highlighting the color and length of
each STR sequence. The more STR sequences that are tested, the more accurate the test is at identifying
someone.

Pros of DNA Fingerprinting


- It is simple, less intrusive testing.
- It can reduce innocent convictions.
- It can help solve crimes and identity issues.

Cons of DNA Fingerprinting


- It can be a violation of one's privacy.
- It raises concerns over third-party access.
- It can be used the wrong way to convict innocents.

HAIA ALASALI – NASRA JAMA- HANIN ALSHEIKH – SEDRA KARAJA – NUHA MOHAMMAD

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