O DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is one of the nucleic acids and can be found both inside and outside of cells. although the DNA has become known only in recent decades due to the popularization of tests for identifying doubtful paternity, he was already known in the scientific community since the beginning of the 1950s, when he became proven that the DNA it is the stuff that makes up the genes. ThroughDNA it is possible to identify people to clarify a possible participation in a crime and also in carrying out paternity tests. It is important to remember that, with the exception of identical twins, each person's DNA is unique.
O test ofDNA, called DNA figerprint or genetic fingerprint, provides a very high degree of reliability, surpassing 99.9% certainty in its result. Because of this, this test is often used in determining paternity and solving crimes.
So that a person can be identified through their DNA probes capable of detecting sequences from the DNA human. These sequences of DNA are called
VNTR (Variable Number of Tandem Repeats - variable number of repeats in sequence) and are composed of short nucleotide sequences that are repeated along stretches of the molecule. DNA. Each person has a specific pattern of repeating these units and that pattern is inherited from their parents.When samples of DNA are obtained through hair, blood, pieces of skin, sperm, etc., isolation of the DNA using restriction enzymes. After using the enzymes, the DNA it becomes fragmented, that is, separated into small pieces. These small pieces are then separated in a process called electrophoresis, which uses electrical current. After the end of the electrophoresis, equipment that uses ultraviolet light and a specific dye translates the DNA image, which can then be studied by the researchers.
The tracks observed are unique for each person and that is why it is called DNA fingerprint or genetic fingerprint.
By Paula Louredo
Graduated in Biology
