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DNA Screening Analysis

The DNA of a person can be identified even from minuscule samples. DNA can be determined from welding masks, beverage cans, chewing gums, automobile air bags, cigarette butts, sweat, pistol grips, car dashboards, saliva, femur and skull bones, hair, toothbrushes, etc. All these items, if analyzed using STR (short tandem repeat), take about 10 to 20 working days to deliver results. The mitochondrial DNA testing on the other hand takes about 20 to 30 working days.

  1. History

    • DNA screening analysis has made significant advances in the last 140 years. Gregor Mendel, considered the father of genetics, was the first to explain about the inheritance pattern. Later research and experiments conducted on DNA molecule by various scientists, such as Frederick Griffith, Oswald Avery, Erwin Chargaff, and Nobel Prize winners like Maurice Wilkins, Rosalind Franklin, James Watson, and Francis Crick has helped us to understand and decipher the DNA molecule.

    Use in Criminal Investigation

    • DNA analysis can produce accurate analysis and can help determine whether or not someone is guilty of a crime. It is considered a valuable and exciting tool, more important than fingerprinting technology. This captivating science, which helps in positive identification of victims as well as criminal suspects, is indeed beneficial to our society, for DNA technology solves challenging crimes with a scientific and rational approach.

    Process

    • DNA analysis begins with a sample, such as saliva, semen, or blood. Once the DNA sample is taken out from the chemical, restricting enzymes called endonucleases are added. These cut the DNA into fragments or particles. Sieving gel is then mixed into the particle before it is sorted out through the electrophoresis process. During this process you will see DNA moving down the gel-coated plate. After the process is completed, the double-stranded DNA fragments are treated so as to separate them from each other.

    Benefits

    • In the medical field DNA testing has helped identify life-threatening illnesses. DNA fragments present in urine can help in the early detection of malaria, tuberculosis, cancer, and malaria. They have helped scientists to make pioneering discoveries and to better understand life on our planet. Plant life also seems to have benefited from DNA testing. Scientists are now looking forward to altering the genes of certain trees to pave the way for new breeds of trees that will respond better to climate changes or drought.

    Significance

    • DNA testing has evolved over the years. In addition to being an important tool for studying the evolution of organisms, it helps exonerate individuals who have been wrongly convicted and also aids in the study and cure of genetic diseases.

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