How Is the Extraction of DNA Useful to Biologists?

DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, has become increasingly important in the scientific community in recent years. DNA extraction has numerous uses and offers definitive answers to lingering questions. It has aided law enforcement in criminal cases and established paternity in family court. Scientific research depends on DNA for new treatments and for answers to the causes of some illnesses.

Detection

• Biologists often use DNA extraction to determine if there are any viruses, bacteria or toxins in an organism's environment. This helps them create a solution, if necessary, to restore the organism's health or threatened habitat. Scientists use several techniques for DNA analysis. Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization reveals specific bacteria. Terminal Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism is used specifically for marine bacterioplankton and identifies and times their movement patterns. Sequencing reveals unique attributes of an individual's DNA and allows for comparison between DNA strands to check for irregularities and patterns.

Diagnostics

• DNA extraction can help doctors provide answers to patients who are struggling with an unnamed illness. Once DNA is extracted, geneticists and biologists analyze and study it. They use their findings to either rule out a genetic disease or diagnose a patient with a specific genetic syndrome.

Study and Research

• Geneticists and biologists extract DNA in order to use it for research. Researchers separate copies of the gene they wish to study from the rest of the DNA pattern. They can then study and determine the purpose of an individual gene. Some genes are found to have a therapeutic or curative effect on patients with certain illnesses or conditions. Researchers can use genetic engineering techniques, also called recombinant DNA technology, to mass produce the gene necessary for treatment.

Establishing Familial Relationships

• Patterns in DNA show close biological family relationships. DNA is extracted for testing that can reveal the true identity of a person's biological parents, grandparents, siblings and close cousins. DNA testing is often used in family courts, especially in child support cases, to establish paternity.

Forensic Science and Biological Evidence

• Forensic biologists and scientists extract DNA from biological evidence collected at a crime scene. Scientists then compare the DNA sequence of the biological evidence to that of a suspect in 13 DNA regions. If the forensic scientists find a match between the two DNA sequences, they can be sure beyond a reasonable doubt that they have the right person. Forensic scientists also use DNA to exonerate those who are wrongly accused and identify victims of disasters and crimes.