A technique for identifying individuals of a species that is based on the uniqueness of their DNA sequence. Uniqueness is determined by identifying which combination of allelic variations occur in the individual at a statistically relevant number of different loci. In forensic studies, RESTRICTION FRAGMENT LENGTH POLYMORPHISM of multiple, highly polymorphic VNTR LOCI or MICROSATELLITE REPEAT loci are analyzed. The number of loci used for the profile depends on the ALLELE FREQUENCY in the population.
    

concept

DNA analysis

The first DNA fingerprint. The first three lanes contain DNA from a woman, her mother and her father respectively. Lanes 4 - 11 contain DNA from assorted other species including mouse, baboon, lemur, cow, grey seal and tobacco (last lane). The DNA probe used in this experiment detected tandomly repeated short stretches of DNA called minisatellites whose length varies between individuals.

An early DNA fingerprint showing DNA patterns from a mother (lanes 2 and 8) and her four children (adjacent lanes to the right). Lane 1 is an unrelated person. The two sets of lanes show the fingerprints reveled with two different probes that detect different types of repeated sequences.

People with DNA fingerprints - artwork

DNA on trial : genetic identification and criminal justice / edited by Paul R. Billings.

Application de l'analyse des images au diagnostic des cancers du cervix uterin / Kulker Anna épouse Van Driel.

DNA technology in forensic science / Committee on DNA Technology in Forensic Science, Board on Biology, Commission on Life Sciences, National Research Council.

Les empreintes génétiques : verité scientifique et droit de la filiation comparaison internationale.

The forensic use of bioinformation : ethical issues / Nuffield Council on Bioethics.

DNA fingerprinting

Images

Catalogue

DNA on trial : genetic identification and criminal justice / edited by Paul R. Billings.

Application de l'analyse des images au diagnostic des cancers du cervix uterin / Kulker Anna épouse Van Driel.

DNA technology in forensic science / Committee on DNA Technology in Forensic Science, Board on Biology, Commission on Life Sciences, National Research Council.

Les empreintes génétiques : verité scientifique et droit de la filiation comparaison internationale.

The forensic use of bioinformation : ethical issues / Nuffield Council on Bioethics.