Published on 17 Feb 2025
• The genetic profiling of the 400-odd captive elephants of Kerala will begin shortly.
• Genetic Profiling (also called DNA fingerprinting and DNA profiling) is the process of determining an individual’s DNA characteristics.
How does it work?
• Sample is collected and cells are broken down to isolate the DNA. Sometimes Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) might be needed to amplify the amount for analysis (such as in crime scene evidence).
• Scientists target specific areas of DNA known to be highly variable between individuals. These variations, called VNTRs (Variable Number Tandem Repeats), are like short, stuttering sequences of DNA that differ in length from person to person.
• A specific type of VNTR, called Short Tandem Repeats (STRs), is commonly used in profiling and scientists analyse the lengths of these VNTRs at multiple locations across the genome.
• The combination of these lengths forms an individual’s unique DNA profile and the resulting profile can then be compared to others.
Applications
• DNA profiling is a forensic technique in criminal investigations, comparing criminal suspects’ profiles to DNA evidence so as to assess the likelihood of their involvement in the crime
• It is also used in paternity testing, and in genealogical and medical research.
• DNA profiling has also been used in the study of animal and plant populations in the fields of zoology, botany, and agriculture.
Genetic Profiling
Biotechnology
DNA profiling
Polymerase Chain Reaction
DNA fingerprinting