What is DNA profiling?

DNA profiling, also called DNA fingerprinting, is a test to identify a person’s DNA characteristics. The DNA test is called a ‘fingerprint’, because just as it is very unlikely that any two people would have the exact, same physical fingerprint, it is also very unlikely that any two people would have exactly the same DNA information.

Only a small sample of cells is needed for DNA fingerprinting. A drop of blood or strands of hair contain enough genetic material for DNA testing. The test is used to determine whether a family relationship exists between two people. It is also used to identify organisms causing a disease. It is also a forensic technique in criminal investigations and is an important and decisive component of solving crimes. For example, DNA isolated from dried blood, saliva or hair found at a crime scene can be compared to a DNA sample collected from someone suspected of a crime, to prove his or her innocence or guilt.

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