DNA fingerprinting

DNA fingerprinting identifies individuals by comparing variable regions of their DNA. It is used in forensic investigations, paternity testing, and identification of human remains.

Short tandem repeat: A DNA sequence of a few bases repeated consecutively, with repeat counts that vary among people. Modern forensic profiles compare repeat counts at multiple STR locations.
Alec Jeffreys: A British geneticist who developed DNA fingerprinting at the University of Leicester in 1984. His discovery established the original method and gave the technique its name.
Forensic genetics: The use of genetic analysis to investigate legal questions and identify biological material. DNA fingerprinting is one of forensic genetics' central identification tools.
Fingerprint: A pattern of ridges on a fingertip used to identify a person. Unlike ridge patterns, DNA profiles can be obtained from biological traces not left as prints.
DNA database: An organized collection of DNA profiles used for comparison and identification. Stored profiles allow crime-scene samples to be compared across cases and people.
Polymerase chain reaction: A laboratory method that makes many copies of a selected DNA segment. PCR amplifies small or degraded samples so their variable regions can be measured.
Variable number tandem repeat: A DNA sequence repeated in tandem whose copy number varies substantially among individuals. Jeffreys used variation in these sequences to distinguish DNA samples.
Paternity testing: Genetic testing that evaluates whether a man is the biological father of a child. Comparing inherited DNA markers can establish or exclude biological parentage.
Forensic anthropology: The application of skeletal analysis to legal investigations, including identification of human remains. Skeletal traits can narrow identity when DNA is unavailable or provides no match.
CODIS: The United States system of DNA databases and software used to compare forensic DNA profiles. CODIS illustrates how national databases operationalize forensic profile matching.

Linked from 7 pages