DNA Fingerprinting
By: Derek Rephlo, Aidan Knauth, Sydney Stremming
DNA Fingerprinting Argument
DNA FINGERPRINTING ARGUMENT
Summary:
DNA fingerprinting is a test to identify and evaluate the genetic information-called DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)-in a person's cells.
It is highly unlikely that two people will have the same fingerprint because no DNA information is exactly alike.
There are three Different types of fingerprints; Patent, Plastic, Latent fingerprints
Also with four basic pattern classifications; arch, loop, whorls, and the composites
Each individual has a unique pattern of minisatellites; a tract of repetitive DNA in which certain DNA motifs that are repeated
Sir William J. Hershel, the first person to make a document about Fingerprint DNA. He made it in India in 1858.
Sir Edward Henry developed a classification system in the 20th century that is still practiced today.
Another man by the name of Sir Alec Jeff developed methods for modern data gathering in England during 1985, these have been highly successful in the identification of criminal suspects
These tests are used in determining whether a family relationship exists among two people, to identify organisms that are causing a disease in the body. The tests are also used to solve crimes.
The procedure for creating a DNA fingerprint consists of first obtaining a sample of cells, such as blood, semen, saliva, urine, hair, buccal (cheek cells), tissues or bones, which all contain DNA. The DNA is extracted from the cells and purified in order for classification
DNA fingerprinting was originally used to identify genetic diseases by linking disease genes within a family based on the inheritance of the segregating markers and the likelihood that they would be in close proximity, but it also became used for criminal investigations and forensic science.
Cons:
DNA Fingerprinting is a technique that is used to establish a connection between biological evidence and a suspect in a criminal investigation, but damaged fingerprints may lead to false convictions
DNA Fingerprinting can be used to store valuable private information about us. It is a violation of privacy for all people that have been tested
DNA can help in many trials, such as theft of valuable and priceless items where fingerprints are usually common. This information could get into the wrong hands such as a false conviction against someone as a result of improper handling of DNA samples
It is not always accurate, Some police have contaminated DNA samples, so innocent men have been convicted due to DNA fingerprinting.
Some have raised serious moral and ethical concerns over a government DNA database.
These include the government using their power to use information taken to be used against a person's will and people from the justice system easily modifying DNA samples to sway a case in court.
This could violate privacy laws, and some information could be resold to corporate businesses for profit.
With social media spying, airport security and other concerns, people are wondering how their private information is being used and whether it is being safeguarded from hackers.
DNA fingerprinting could be used by health insurance companies to not allow coverage to those who have a genetic liability to certain diseases.
Pro’s of DNA Fingerprinting
DNA testing is less intrusive than taking a direct blood sample and doesn’t physically affect you
Once they get certain DNA they can test it, and decrease the amount of innocent convictions leading to a more fair justice system
DNA fingerprinting is very efficient because DNA samples have the capability of being transferred with our intensive conditions
Family members seeking children or parents lost use fingerprints to find their identity, this helps families reunite after a natural disaster, financial disaster and even after a family death transferring a child to better conditions within a family is easier than before
Child Fingerprinting can help find children from abduction, and law enforcement can better understand why it happened, it helps bring justice to those who were caused harm
- Helps patients not become infected by testing DNA beforehand to check for previous generation diseases