DNA FINGERPRINTING AND THE LAW

The similarity index and DNA fingerprinting.

DNA-fingerprint similarity is being used increasingly to make inferences about levels of genetic variation within and between natural populations. It is shown that the similarity index--the average fraction of shared restriction fragments--provides upwardly biased estimates of population homozygosity but nearly unbiased estimates of the average identity-in-state for random pairs of individuals....

DNA Fingerprinting and RFLP Analysis

DNA Fingerprinting: A Powerful Law-Enforcement Tool with Serious Social Implications

DNA fingerprinting has been hailed by law-enforcement officials as the 20th century’s most important breakthrough in forensic science. They are eager to use the new technology to identify and prosecute violent criminals as well as to exonerate innocent persons who are suspects in criminal cases. Although DNA finger-printing has not yet been adequately tested in the courts, the State Attorney Ge...

DNA Fingerprinting The New Sherlock Holmes

O a clear night, anyone with a good telescope can see that the sky is strewn with thousands of satellites— some are manmade satellites, launched into orbit for communications and defense, and some are natural ones, such as our beloved Moon. However, there is another type of satellite that is much closer to home: the human genome is also littered with “satellites.” Genetic satellites are entirel...

A DNA Fingerprinting Exercise for

"Hands on" laboratory exercises are excellent teaching tools because they have the potential to reach students with all types of learning styles. Unfortunately the large monetary investment required to obtain supplies and equipment and train instructors prevents many schools from providing hands-on learning experiences with DNA technology. Students in non-laboratory courses are even less likely...