DNA profiling
DNA profiling (also called DNA testing, DNA typing, or genetic fingerprinting) is a technique employed by forensic scientists to assist in the identification of individuals on the basis of their respective DNA profiles. Although the vast majority of human DNA sequences are common in humans, DNA profiling makes use of highly variable repeat sequences, called variable number tandem repeats (VNTR). These loci are highly similar between very closely related humans, but variable enough so that it is extremely unlikely for unrelated humans to have the same alleles. The technique was first reported in 1985 by Sir Alec Jeffreys at the University of Leicester in England,[1] and is now the basis of several national DNA databases. DNA profiling commences with the extraction of an individual’s DNA (typically called a “reference sample”). The most desirable method of collecting a reference sample is the use of a buccal swab, as this reduces the possibility of contamination.
