How to Identify & Explain the Main Goals of DNA Analysis

The discovery of DNA ranks among the greatest scientific achievement of the 20th century. It has had profound theoretic and practical consequences. At a theoretical level, it opens up possibilities for understanding life and human life in particular. At the practical level, it has revolutionized genetic research, medical research and treatments. It has become one of the most valuable tools in forensic science. Every species has unique genetic DNA sequences. DNA analysis makes it possible to identify species and, perhaps more importantly, to identify individuals and their genetic relationships.

Instructions

• 1

  Familiarize yourself with the history of DNA research and analysis. You don't have to become an expert on the history of DNA, but a general introduction to its history and procedures provides the context and information to appreciate the main goals of DNA analysis. Dr. Alex Jeffries is credited with introducing DNA fingerprinting or typing techniques in England in 1984. Jeffries's work is based on early genetic research. These techniques became commercially available in 1987.

• 2

  Investigate the methods of forensic science. The general public's knowledge and interest in DNA analysis is rooted in forensic science. Forensic science uses DNA typing/genetic fingerprinting to identify victims and perpetrators of crime. Popular television shows such as CSI have popularized the ways in which forensic science relies on DNA analysis. Newspapers frequently report cases on prisoners who have been wrongly incarcerated and then exonerated by DNA evidence.

• 3

  Explore the relationship between DNA research and medicine. Like the field of forensic science, the medical field has been radically revolutionized by. DNA research DNA analysis is used to deal with a variety of medial issues such as 1) genetic counseling, 2) determining paternity and maternity, 3) determining sibling and kinship relationships, and 4) diagnosing predisposition for illness or disease.

• 4

  Read about the Human Genome Project The most extensive and grandiose use of DNA analysis is The Human Genome Project. This was a 13-year endeavor that was concluded in 2003. Its goal is to identify all of the approximately 20,000 to 25,000 genes in the human species. It seeks to establish the ethical, legal, and social guidelines for storing and sharing knowledge acquired through DNA research.

• 5

  Learn about the work being done by the Genographic project. The Genographic project is sponsored by National Geographic. Its goal is the chart the migratory history of the human species by using using DNA analysis to study hundreds of thousands of people.