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 Genes
make up the blueprint for our bodies, governing factors
such as growth, development and functioning. Almost every
cell in the human body contains a copy of the blueprint,
stored inside a special sac called the nucleus. Each cell
of the body contains DNA organized into 23 pairs of chromosomes.
Each chromosome contains thousands of genetic markers
or "genes". One chromosome from each pair originates
from the father and the other chromosome comes from the
mother. Of the 46 chromosomes in each cell, two determine
gender while the other 44 determine other traits. Certain
portions of DNA are unique to each individual. This genetic
information can not be purposely altered in any way. DNA
profiling is a way of establishing identity and is used
in a variety of ways, such as for determining twins to
be identical or fraternal, and for many other family-relationship
identifications. DNA samples can be obtained from blood,
buccal swab, hair root, saliva, semen and much more.
Because no two individuals (with the exception of identical
twins) are composed of the exact same genetic profile,
DNA testing is the absolute means to confirm any biological
relationship in doubt
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