What is DNA profiling and what does it reveal?
DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the chemical that stores an individual’s genetic code. DNA codes do not change over a lifetime, and the same codes are present in every cell of an individual’s body. While there are important similarities in genetic codes among family members, DNA is uniquely personal. With the exception of identical twins, no individual’s DNA sequence is exactly like anyone else’s. DNA can be found in a tiny sample of tissue or body fluid. Once collected, banked and analyzed, a DNA profile or identification makes it possible to create a virtually positive identification. So, like fingerprints DNA is a unique identifier. But drawing a DNA sample is not the same as taking a fingerprint. Fingerprints are two dimensional representations of the physical attributes of our fingertips. They are useful only as a form of identification. DNA profiling may be used for identification purposes, but the DNA itself represents far more than a fingerprint. Indeed it trivializes DNA dat
