Understanding DNA Fingerprinting: Origins and Applications

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DNA fingerprinting is a way to test an individual’s DNA-your information about genes. Why is it called a fingerprint? Look at it this way….each person will more than likely never have the same crevaces and marks on the skin of their finger. Likewise, it will be very unlikely to have the same genetic makeup as another person. A DNA test is used for multiple important reasons such as personal, legal, and medical reasons. A small sample of a human’s cell can do a clear DNA test. For instance, a piece of hair on a hat used during a crime can determine whether or not a killer gets caught. A voluntary DNA test is usually taken at a doctor’s office and a sample of blood is taken from a vein. Now that we have got the basic down about DNA testing, let us take a look at where this topic first began. Gregor Mendel was the first man to really take a look at why a person is built the way she or he is built from previous generations. Unfortuantely, his …show more content…

Why are we so interested in having the results of our DNA in our hands? Here’s why. A DNA test is used for multiple important reasons such as personal, legal, and medical reasons. Personal reasons are a huge reason why people want their DNA testing. A test for a personal reason may be that a mom wants to know who her baby’s father is. I know that is a little deep, but it is a real reality. Legal reasons, as I touched on earlier, may be the deciding factor in a huge criminal case. Did Kathy’s best friend really kill her or was it the neighbor next door? Lastly , but certainly not least, is medical situations. This hits home because to me this is a very important topic about DNA testing. A test can be ran to see if a person has a certain disease. On one hand it might not be good news to hear that he or she has a disease, but on the other hand it will be good to know the results so they can plan accordingly to what needs to be

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