Tue Mar 25 03:00:00 UTC 2025: ## DNA Fingerprinting: A Powerful Tool for Identification and Beyond
**Hyderabad, March 25, 2025** – DNA fingerprinting, a technique leveraging the unique genetic makeup of individuals, is revolutionizing various fields, from forensic science to ancestry tracing. A recent article in *The Hindu* explains the science behind this powerful tool and its diverse applications.
The article details how each person’s DNA, composed of 46 molecules inherited from both parents, contains variations called polymorphisms. These variations, particularly in short tandem repeats (STRs), form the basis of a unique DNA fingerprint for each individual (except identical twins).
The process of creating a DNA fingerprint involves several steps. First, scientists extract DNA from various sources, including blood, saliva, or even ancient remains. Then, using a technique called Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), they amplify specific STR regions, creating millions of copies for analysis. Capillary electrophoresis then separates these DNA fragments by size, allowing scientists to determine the unique pattern of STR lengths that constitutes the individual’s DNA fingerprint.
The article highlights the wide-ranging applications of this technology. In forensic science, DNA fingerprints are crucial for identifying suspects from crime scene evidence, solving cold cases, and exonerating wrongly convicted individuals. They also play a vital role in establishing paternity, identifying disaster victims, and assisting in organ donation matching. The remarkable stability of DNA allows for its extraction even from ancient samples, further expanding its utility.
D.P. Kasbekar, a retired scientist and INSA Honorary Scientist at the Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics in Hyderabad, authored the piece, underscoring the significant role of this technology in modern science and its continuing impact on society.
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