Genetics
Study of heredity and variation in living organisms.
Practical Applications
Forensics and DNA Fingerprinting
Solving Mysteries with DNA
DNA fingerprinting is a technique used to identify individuals by their unique DNA patterns.
How Does it Work?
- Scientists compare sections of DNA that vary between people.
- This creates a pattern—like a barcode—that is unique to each person (except identical twins!).
Uses in Real Life
- Crime scene investigations.
- Paternity and family testing.
- Identifying disaster victims.
Why is it Important?
DNA fingerprinting has revolutionized law enforcement, making it possible to solve crimes and reunite families.
Examples
Police match DNA from a crime scene to a suspect.
Families separated by disasters are reunited using DNA analysis.