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6 Sources of DNA in Humans

Medical science is making a lot of advances in diagnosis and cures. One of the most remarkable ways in which they can achieve so much is by taking DNA samples from people and running tests. A person's DNA is the window to how his body functions and is incredibly helpful in finding clues to his illness. In addition, the study of DNA can do more than help an individual patient; understanding DNA as a whole can help to cure endemic medical issues.

  1. Six Main Sources

    • DNA can be found all over the body. Every single cell in the body of any plant, animal, fungus or bacteria holds DNA. In humans, there are six basic sources of DNA, and obtaining DNA from any of these sources has positive and negative aspects. The six sources are soft tissue, blood, semen, saliva, hair roots and dead skin cells.

    Soft Tissue

    • Soft tissue samples are a great way of obtaining DNA. The problem is that the process is often invasive and requires surgery to obtain. For example, if a patient has liver problems, a doctor might take a soft tissue sample of the liver to properly diagnose the patient. This requires a small incision in the abdomen and special instruments to obtain. On the positive side, obtaining DNA from the part of the body that is affected can help determine whether the problem is a gene mutation.

    Blood

    • Blood provides an enormous amount of information about a person, including DNA. The downside of using blood is that it requires you to stick someone's arm with a needle, which some people can't handle. Because it's a liquid, it is also difficult to store efficiently. The upside is that you get a lot of DNA from a small sample, and physicians can perform many different kinds of tests on the blood.

    Semen

    • Semen is a reliable source of DNA, and its analysis can be used to determine a man's fertility. In crime scenes, semen might be the only evidence that police can use to identify a suspect. However, requesting a semen sample for a DNA test is embarrassing and unnecessary because there are many simpler methods of getting DNA.

    Saliva

    • Saliva is the preferred method of obtaining DNA. With a cotton swab, a doctor can wipe the inside of a patient's mouth and get enough DNA to test hundreds of different times. It is painless, noninvasive and does not embarrass the patient.

    Hair Roots

    • Hair roots, like semen, are a good source of evidence for police investigations. Hair is often left at crime scenes, especially in the case of violent struggles. However, in a doctor's office, it is more difficult to get a hair sample than a cheek swab.

    Dead Skin Cells

    • Dead skin cells are a phenomenal clue for detective work. People shed skin cells all the time, and assuming they can be found, they are a reputable source of DNA that can help advance a police investigation. Skin cells are a large part of why the cheek swab method is so effective. In addition to getting DNA from saliva, skin cells rub off the cheek and provide DNA.

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