DNA Fingerprinting

DNA - The Molecule

Three billion bases in
human DNA
99% of DNA is
identical among
individuals
1% contains
significant variation
Each persons DNA
Profile is unique
Except Identical Twins

DNA Fingerprints
DNA Fingerprinting can be used to:
1. Trace the inheritance of genetic
disorders
2. Identify the origin of a blood, semen, or
saliva sample in a criminal investigation
3. Establish paternity or maternity

First DNA fingerprint preformed in

1987 in England
Was first used in a case in the US IN
1988
99.9% accurate

Polymerase Chain Reaction

Amplify the amount of
DNA by PCR:
1. Separate strands
of DNA - Heat
2. Add primers to the
single strands
3. Add polymerase and
free nucleotides
4. Two new DNA
molecules are
formed

Polymorphisms
A polymorphism is a
variation
Every 1,000 bases
inherited there is
one variation
variations allow the
DNA to be cut into
different sized
fragments
RFLP- Restriction
Fragment Length
Polymorphisms

RFLP
Steps of making an RFLP:
1. Add a restriction enzyme to cut the
DNA into fragments - Exact number and
size of fragments produced varies
from person to person
2. Fragments are separated by
electrophoresis
3. The smaller fragments travel further
than the large fragments
4. This creates a DNA Fingerprint

Variable Numbers of
Tandem Repeats (VNTR)
Most of the DNA in a chromosome
does not code for a gene
These regions contain sequences
that repeat from 20-100 times (exGTCAGTCAGTCAGTCA)
There are several known variations
of the Short Tandem Repeats (STR) in
humans
Ex.- HUMTH01 (repeating AATG) has
seven different variations

Example of STR

VNTR
Scientists can
look at 4-6
different STRs in
the same person
The more STRs
identified the
higher the
probability of a
match
VNTR is more
commonly used
than RFLP

Advantages of VNTR
1. Less complex patterns
in gel
2. STRs are less likely to
degrade

Less than 400 base pairs

In the middle of the
chromosome

3. Can be used on stains

that old or have been
exposed to
decomposition

Mitochondrial DNA

DNA in the mitochondria

Inherited maternally
Forensic Casework
Analyze sample materials that are not suitable for
nuclear DNA
Test hair strands without the root
Test highly degraded tissue
Test skeletal remains

Problems with mtDNA

Used for determining maternal
relationships only
Results take up to two months to
complete
The specific tested alleles cannot
be compared against standard
tested alleles
Exclusions are 100%, Inclusions are
95%.

Combined DNA Index

System (CODIS)
The FBIs DNA database
Built from the databases of states that
collect DNA samples from convicted
offenders
1991 - Minnesota was the first state to
match a DNA sample from the scene of a
crime with a sample on file in a database.
MD collects samples from all convicted
felons and some misdemeanor crimes
All states require DNA from sexual
offenders