Why use DNA identification rather than traditional (non-DNA) techniques?
Using traditional techniques (looking at the root structure using a light microscope) it is not possible to discriminate roots of trees of the same species, therefore, a large proportion of the subsidence cases cannot be solved with traditional means. However, Bioprofiles’ DNA technique enables root identification even when several individuals of the same species are involved. Also roots of very similar species e.g. a willow and a poplar, or two maple species can be identified. These novel methods are based on DNA techniques, with which small amounts of tissue can be analysed. The DNA techniques are all based on a patented invention from the year 1983, namely, the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). All PCR tests need to be performed pursuant to licensing arrangements with Applied Biosystems under patent rights owned by F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. PCR is an extremely sensitive method in which small parts of DNA of an organism are biochemically replicated (amplified). Because of its sensitiv
