Understanding What Is DNA Testing - The 6 FAQs AnsweredDNA testing has proved to be a major breakthrough in the field of individual identification and criminal investigations. Because of this, the question: what is DNA testing - is on everyones lips. Simply put, it is the technique employed to differentiate between two individuals with the help of the analysis of the DNA samples of those two individuals. The technique is based on the fact that every human being has a unique DNA structure. Here are some relevant facts pertaining to DNA testing. 1. DNA testing was invented in 1985, at the University of Leicester by Sir Alec Jeffreys. The technique uses the DNA sequences called minisatellites, which are highly variable. The only case that is known to produce the identical results for two DNA profiles is in the case of twins, that too identical twins. 2. The technique of DNA testing is extensively used in the area of forensic science. It is used to analyze the hair, saliva, semen or blood samples of the suspects. The technique has facilitated the release of the wrongly convicted suspects in the past. 3. The process of DNA Testing is always subjected to the legal code of conduct of the jurisdiction in which it is performed. Normally, it is an optional technique but it is compulsory sometimes, through a court order or search warrant. This is the reason that different jurisdictions maintain a database with the DNA records of the convicts. 4. The technique is also used to identify the remains of human beings, matching the organ donors, paternity testing, population study of wild animals and assessing the consumption of food materials. 5. Another area in which DNA testing is relevant relates to the generation of hypothesis about the pattern of human population in the prehistoric period. 6. The process of DNA testing is also employed in the field of genealogy studies. These studies involve the comparison of the genes in a population to establish the relationship between the individuals in a population. With DNA tests, a linkage to common ancestors from many previous generations can be traced accurately although the tests of the genome of dead persons is not a normal process conducted in genealogy studies. Still the role of DNA testing techniques in conducting such studies is considered to be very important. Thus, this discussion to the query: what is DNA testing, may have provoked your interest and curiosity about its importance and usage in today's world. With this valuable information, it would be a great asset for the coming generations also. |