Term Paper on "DNA Database"

Term Paper 3 pages (1046 words) Sources: 2 Style: APA

[EXCERPT] . . . .

DNA Database

The advantages of DNA profiling and databases

DNA profile refers to unique identifying characteristics of an individual. In brief, because a persons DNA contains elements that are totally unique to that individual, this means that developing a DNA database of individuals can be a very effective way of establishing identity in a criminal case, or of finding out the identity of a missing person.

The science of DNA profiling has many applications. The most common usage of this technology is to rapidly identify the criminal perpetrator in a crime. An article from the University of Utah states: "DNA profiling has helped to acquit or convict suspects in many of the most violent crimes, including rape and murder." (Can DNA Demand a Verdict?) DNA profiling can be equally effective in preventing innocent person for being wrongly convicted of crimes.

In simple terms, DNA refers to the "...genetic material that programs how cells work." (Can DNA Demand a Verdict?) In more scientific terms, DNA refers to Deoxyribonucleic acid, which "provides the vital information for genetic inheritance by forming an immense sequence of codes made up from four very simple base units. " (DNA Profiling 2) Every cell in the body contains this genetic material which is responsible of the functioning of that cell. In reality we all share a common DNA profiles and in fact 99.9% of the DNA in the human body is the same for every human individual. This is due to the fact that most of the DNA in humans is there to establish species-specific traits; for example to distinguish skin from scales etc. (Baden M.)

However, the remaining percentage of DNA is unique to that human individual. It is this small amount that is the focus in DNA profiling. While this amount may not seem to be very large, in fact the 0.1% of unique DNA in each individual amounts to 3 million base pairs. This is more than is needed to make extremely accurate identifications of individuals. These fragments of DNA are termed polymorphic because they vary in shape from person to person. "Essentially, DNA profiling is the process of separating an individual's unique, polymorphic, fragments from the common ones. " (Baden M.)

One of the factors that add to the advantage of DNA profiling in the solving of criminal cases is that DNA evidence is usually widespread and easy to obtain in any crime scene. "It is present in all kinds of evidence collected at the scene, including blood, hair, skin, saliva and semen. Scientists can analyze the DNA in evidence samples to see if it matches a suspect's DNA." (Can DNA Demand a Verdict?) The technology associated with DNA profiling can make use of minute particles of matter in the identification of individuals, such as the saliva from a cigarette butt.

Can DNA Demand a Verdict?) This is particularly significant in solving crimes where the evidence on the scene has been corrupted or disturbed.

Of course DNA profiling is only part of the larger criminal investigative process. However, when it is used correctly and scientifically it can in many instances be used in the process of… READ MORE

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