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DNA Profiling Information |
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DNA profiling is a technique used to distinguish between individuals of the same species using only samples of their DNA. Although two individuals will have the vast majority of their DNA sequence in common, DNA profiling exploits highly variable repeat sequences called VNTRs.
Our staff works hard to make the DNA Identity Testing Center your choice of provider for all DNA testing services. We ensure superior quality, service and convenience to our clients. In our commitment to providing convenience, please know that we provide a free DNASwabTM Home DNA Collection Kit for use in all types of private DNA tests.
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RFLP Analysis
The first methods used for DNA fingerprinting involved restriction enzyme digestion, followed by Southern blot analysis. Although polymorphisms can exist in the restriction enzyme cleavage sites, more commonly the enzymes and DNA probes were used to analyze VNTR loci. However, the Southern blot technique is laborious, and requires large amounts of undegraded sample DNA. |
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PCR Analysis
With the invention of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique, DNA fingerprinting took huge strides forward in both discriminating power and the ability to recover information from very small (or degraded) starting samples. PCR greatly amplifies the amounts of a specific region of DNA, using Oligonucleotide primers and a thermostable DNA polymerase. |
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STR Analysis
The most prevalent method of DNA fingerprinting used today is based on PCR and uses short tandem repeats (STR). This method uses highly polymorphic regions that have short repeated sequences of DNA (the most common is 4 bases repeated, but there are other lengths in use, including 3 and 5 bases). Because different people have different numbers of repeat units, these regions of DNA can be used to discriminate between individuals. These STR loci (locations) are targeted with sequence-specific primers and are amplified using PCR. |
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Y-Chromosome Analysis
Recent innovations have included the creation of primers targeting polymorphic regions on the Y-chromosome (Y-STR), which allows resolution of a mixed DNA sample from a male and female and/or cases in which a differential extraction is not possible. Y-chromosomes are paternally inherited, so Y-STR analysis can help in the identification of paternally related males. |
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