DNA/genetic profiling

• what is DNA profiling?

  cutting DNA into short pieces which are then seperated into bands of DNA and compared
• bands of DNA

  
• what is genetic profiling used for?

  • investigating crimes
  • paternity/maternity (but don't use both)
  • identifying victims in an accident/disaster, etc
  • discovering new genetic diseases or identifying them in a person
  • comparing DNA for classification -> more bands in common = more closely related
• why would people not want to have a DNA profile to identify susceptibility to genetic diseases?

  causes anxiety
• investigating crimes -> DNA profile carried out if material recovered from a crime scene -> if bands of suspect = identical to bands from a DNA profile -> PLACES THEM AT THE SCENE OF A CRIME
• Paternity/maternity tests -> finding out mother/father -> if bands in a DNA profile are very similiar to another, most likely related
• identifying victims - same banding pattern required
• more bands in common shows relatedness
• what are ethical issues linked to DNA profiling?

  privacy issues - could be accessed, health insurance companies decide to not give insurance.
• reasons people may object to DNA profiles being retained by the police?


  issues of privacy + ownership