DNA ANALYSIS

What is DNA Analysis?
DNA analysis is the name given to the interpretation of genetic sequences, and can be
used for a wide variety of purposes. It can be used to identify a species, but can also
differentiate individuals within a species. Unsurprisingly, the DNA sequences of two different
species vary more than those of two individuals from the same species. That said, a significant
amount of DNA can still be shared between different species. For example, as humans we
share about 50% of our DNA with bananas!

Perhaps the most recognizable examples of DNA analysis are the black and white images that
contain bands (they look a bit similar to barcodes). Each of these bands represents a different
fragment of DNA, and together they can act as a sort of ‘genetic fingerprint’ that can be used to
compare different samples. Using this technique, a DNA sample from a crime scene can be
quickly and easily matched to a suspect’s DNA, or a biological relationship can be proved or
disproved between a person and their alleged father.
Discovery of DNA analysis
Before DNA analysis existed, crime solving focused largely on obtaining fingerprints from crime
scenes. The problem with this was that criminals could easily avoid detection by simply wearing gloves
or wiping down surfaces. DNA, however, can be collected from almost anywhere. It’s much harder for
criminals to avoid leaving behind some kind of biological substance such as saliva, hair, sweat, skin,
earwax, or mucus.

When DNA analysis first surfaced as a concept in the mid-1980s, these biological substances started
to be put to use in solving crimes. An English geneticist called Alec Jeffreys developed a method of
DNA analysis called DNA profiling, aka genetic fingerprinting, so that suspects could be matched to
substances collected at crime scenes. Since then, the technology has improved considerably, resulting
in DNA analysis becoming cheaper, more accessible and available for a range of official and consumer
applications.
DNA Samples
The process of DNA analysis starts with DNA being extracted and purified from a biological
sample. DNA can be found in several types of samples and extracted using a range different
techniques – the technique chosen often depends on the size of the sample and the amount of
DNA likely to be present.

In the vast majority of cases, when taking a home DNA test, you’ll be asked to provide a saliva
sample or a cheek swab – a cheek swab is painless and takes just a few minutes. A few tests,
most notably prenatal DNA tests, may require you to provide a small blood sample. Depending on
the type of sample required, after you order the test, you’ll receive a kit in the post that contains
the appropriate sample collection equipment, with instructions for securely returning it to the lab.
Types of DNA Analysis
Another way to look at the question ‘What is DNA analysis?’, is to examine the techniques
involved. Regardless of the type of sample being analyzed, once it has reached the lab and the DNA
has been extracted, there are several methods of analysis that can be applied.

Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP)

DNA fingerprint 2
RFLP is one of the oldest types of DNA analysis and it produces the black and white images that
we mentioned earlier. Put simply, this technique involves cutting up DNA by targeting specific
sequences. The sequences are then cut into strands of differing lengths, and separated by length
using a special gel. This produces the black and white ‘genetic fingerprint’ image, with the longest
stands showing as bands at one end and the shortest at the other. By comparing two images you
can compare the lengths of the strands and easily see whether the sequences are the same or
different. This analysis usually needs a sample that contains a relatively high quantity of clean and
contamination-free DNA. It also takes a lot of time, due to the numerous steps involved in the
process and has therefore largely been replaced by newer, quicker methods.
Short Tandem Repeat (STR) Analysis

One such technique is the analysis of Short Tandem Repeats (STRs). STRs are
sections of DNA, between one and five nucleotides, that are repeated several times at
specific points in our DNA sequence. Compared to RFLP, STR analysis can be done with
DNA samples of much lower quality, which means that even trace amounts of DNA can be
analyzed.

The analysis itself involves examining the number of times that certain STR sequences are
repeated. These repeats occur in the same locations in everyone’s DNA, but the amount of
times that each STR repeats will differ between individuals. Those who are biologically
related will possess STRs that are repeated the same or a similar number of times, and so
this technique is the most commonly used when testing to prove or disprove biological
relationships.
Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) Analysis
Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) analysis is the most recently
developed DNA analysis technique. SNPs are also known as genetic variants and
are points in our DNA where there are single nucleotide differences between
individuals. These are examined by running a DNA sample across a specialized
computer chip. These chips are designed to detect up to one million SNPs in
your DNA but will usually report on around 100,000. Analysis of these genetic
variants is the method usually used to determine someone’s genetic predisposition
to disease, and is increasingly common in ancestry DNA testing.
Y DNA Analysis
The previous three techniques that we’ve talked about usually involve analysis of the DNA
that’s inherited from both parents, known as autosomal DNA. However, these DNA analysis
techniques can also be applied to Y DNA, that only males possess and which is exclusively
passed from father to son.

This technique can be used to help solve sexual assault cases in which there are several male
suspects. Investigators use Y DNA analysis to match samples taken from the victim with samples
of suspects, to accurately find out who was involved. As the name indicates, the technique
analyses multiple Y chromosome genetic markers, usually using STR or SNP analysis.

Y DNA analysis can also be utilized for tracing ancestral connections between males. It can
provide information about ‘deep’ paternal ancestry, going back hundreds of thousands of years,
as well as ancestral migratory paths.
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) Analysis

In a similar way to Y DNA analysis, mitochondrial DNA analysis is

concerned with the genetic information that we exclusively inherit from our
mothers. However, unlike Y DNA which is only passed down from father to son,
mitochondrial DNA is passed from mother to both son and daughter.
Identification
As previously mentioned, DNA analysis is used to identify human remains in
criminal investigations and for archaeological research. However, DNA analysis is also
used when those in high-risk jobs or environments (e.g. oil rig workers or military
personnel) wish to obtain their DNA profile. DNA profiles can be used to identify
someone in the event of a fatal accident as it’s much more resilient than traditional forms
of identification.

The US army now uses DNA profiles to supplement the traditional ‘dog tag’, and
every new military recruit is required to provide saliva and blood samples. These can
then be used to identify those killed while discharging duties. Outside the military
however, DNA is rarely used for this purpose, as fingerprints and dental records are still
preferred.
THANK YOU
&
GOD BLESS