L2 - DNA Profiling/Genetic Profiling

• DNA profiling


  Cutting DNA into short pieces which are then separated into bands of DNA and compared
• Uses of genetic profiling (1):

  • Investigating crimes - sperm and blood contain DNA. A DNA profile can be carried out on material recovered from a crime scene. If the bands from the DNA profile of the crime scene are identical to the bands from a DNA profile of a suspect, this can be used to prove they were at the scene of the crime.
• Uses of genetic profiling (2):

  • Paternity testing - finding out who is the father - if the bands in a DNA profile are very similar (they share many of the same bands) to another DNA profile, the two people are likely to be related.
  • Identifying victims - same banding pattern required
  • Discovering new genetic diseases or identifying them in a person
  • Comparing the DNA of different organisms for classification - more bands in common shows relatedness
• Ethical issues related to DNA profiling:

  Profiling issues - someone could access your DNA profile (e.g. insurance companies and choose to not give you health insurance). Is it ethical to keep someone's DNA in a database? What if it turns out they're innocent?

  Ownership issues