Applications of DNA Fingerprinting UPSC

Several convictions have occurred in India, in which DNA fmgerprinting has been accepted as evidence under S.45, of lndian Evidence Act.

DNA fingerprinting (DNA typing, DNA identification, DNA profiling or genetic typing) is a technique that is capable of distinguishing every individual, with the exception of identical twins and clones.

DNA fingerprint was first developed in England in 1985 by Alec Jeffreys, professor of genetics at the University of Leicester who made the discovery by accident while tracking genetic variations in myoglobin.

Two methods of DNA analysis are in common use

1. i. RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphism)
2. PCR (polymerase chain reaction)

Applications of DNA Fingerprinting

General Applications

1. Diagnosis of inherited disorders in adults, children, newborn and prenatal babies.
It includes cystic fibrosis, hemophilia, Huntington’s disease, familial Alzheimer’s, sickle cell anemia and thalassemia.
Genetic counselors use DNA fingerprint information to help prospective parents understand the risk of having an affected child or decisions concerning affected pregnancies.

2. Developing cures for inherited disorders
By studying the DNA fingerprints of relatives who have a history of some particular disorder or by comparing large groups of people with and without the disorder, it is possible to identify DNA patterns associated with the disease in question.

3. Biologists routinely use it, particularly to protect endangered species.

4. Pedigree analysis of pets.

Forensic applications

1. Identification
It is used to link suspects to biological evidence—blood or semen stains, hair or items of clothing—found at the scene of a crime. It is used to establish identity of an assailant in sexual assaults, like rape, incest and bestiality. In case of Murder, the blood or hair roots found on a weapon can be matched with accused.

2. Establish paternity in custody and child support litigation.
In these applications, DNA fingerprints bring a nearly perfect accuracy to the determination. they are needed to identify casualties or persons missing in action. It is used for tracing pedigrees and for establishing family relationship.

3. Exchange of newborn in hospitals

4. Accidents/mass disaster investigations and postmortem identification of skeletal remains/ mutilated bodies. The DNA fingerprint obtained from such remains can be compared with previous prints if available or with that of the close blood-relatives of the deceased, which can establish links between family members.

5. Extorsion cases

6. Identification of bodies in exhumation cases

7. In hit-and-run traffic accidents matching DNA from blood of victim from bloodstains on a vehicle.