Process of Genetic Profiling
- Genetic profiling (DNA profiling) enables scientists to identify individuals based on their unique DNA
- Every person (apart from identical twins) has a DNA profile which is unique to them
- The more closely related you are to a person the more similar your genetic profiles are
- To create a DNA profile from a sample of DNA, scientists complete the following in sequence:
- Obtain the DNA, which can be extracted from the root of a hair, a spot of blood or semen or saliva
- Use enzymes to cut the DNA into fragments of different sizes
- The sizes of the fragments are different for each person due to the unique nature of DNA
- Separate the fragments using gel electrophoresis
- DNA is suspended in an alkaline (agarose) gel
- An electrical current is run through the gel
- DNA is negatively charged and so moves toward the positive end of the gel
- Smaller fragments travel faster than larger fragments
- The profile is then treated so that the fragments of DNA can be seen in bars (the DNA profile)
- The pattern of the DNA profile is then analysed
The process of genetic profiling diagram
Gel electrophoresis is used to create genetic profiles by separating the fragments of DNA from a sample
