Bilogy: DNA Fingerprinting

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DNA Fingerprinting

When you were born you were given your own DNA. The genetic information you carry is very similar to your parents. Even though you and your parents have very similar DNA you also have genetic differences, one example is your fingerprint no one but yourself will have your unique fingerprint pattern.

Police use what is called DNA Fingerprinting to extensively investigate crime scenes. DNA in/on a crime scene can be found through the process of DNA Fingerprinting. Police collect evidence from the crime scene to take in for testing. When the testing is complete the police know who the criminal is by their fingerprint. DNA Fingerprinting has also proven effective with miss person cases.

“The concept of DNA profiling was developed by British scientist Alec Jeffreys and first presented to the public by him in 1984.” DNA Fingerprinting has helped solve thousands of murder cases. The first ever use of DNA Fingerprinting was to solve a criminal case that occurred in England in 1987. The case was that two teenage girls were raped and murdered on different dates, in English villages nearby. The first occurrence was in 1983, the second occurrence was in 1986. Police were able to apprehend to criminal [Colin Pitchfork] by obtaining a sample of semen that was left at both crime scenes. DNA Fingerprinting also helps exonerate (to clear or absolve from blame or a criminal charge) people. The first “criminal” to be exonerated was Richard Buckland; he was the primary suspect of a serial murder case. With the use of DNA Fingerprinting the police were able to determine that Buckland committed none of the murders and was set free (DNA Fingerprinting).

“The blotting is procedure is named differently depending on the type of ...

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...hese vicious crimes will generate fear amongst civilians and citizens; this will also put much pressure on police departments to distinguish and apprehend the perpetrator(s).

Works Cited

Harding, Lauri Ed. "Using DNA Databases for Targeted Profiling Is Ineffective." Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Gale, 2007. Web. 1 Apr. 2014.

Koth, Philip E. "DNA Fingerprinting." Science in Context. Gale, 2012. Web. 31 Mar. 2014.

Lerner, Lee K., and Brenda Wilmoth Lerner. DNA Fingerprinting. 4th ed. Vol. 2. Detroit: n.p., 2008. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 31 Mar. 2014.

Post, Steven G. "DNA Typing." Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Gale, 1999. Web. 31 Mar. 2014.

Robinson, Richard. "Blotting." Science in Context. Gale, 2008. Web. 31 Mar. 2014.

"Southern Blot Method." Southern Blot Method. Department of Biology, Davidson College, 2001. Web. 01 Apr. 2014.

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