DNA

DNA Testing: What It Is, How It Works, and Its Legal Implications

 

What is DNA Testing?
DNA testing is a process that analyzes a person’s deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) to identify them, determine their paternity, or diagnose genetic diseases. DNA is the genetic material that is found in all living cells. It contains the instructions that tell your body how to grow and function.
DNA testing works by comparing the DNA sequence of one person to the DNA sequence of another person. If the two DNA sequences are identical, then the two people are related. If the two DNA sequences are not identical, then the two people are not related.

How Does DNA Testing Work?
DNA testing can be performed on a variety of samples, including blood, saliva, and semen. The first step in DNA testing is to extract the DNA from the sample. This is done using a chemical process that breaks open the cells and releases the DNA.
Once the DNA has been extracted, it is amplified using a process called polymerase chain reaction (PCR). PCR creates millions of copies of the DNA so that it can be analyzed.
The DNA is then analyzed using a variety of techniques, including gel electrophoresis and sequencing. Gel electrophoresis separates the DNA fragments by size. Sequencing determines the order of the nucleotides in the DNA.

Legal Implications of DNA Testing

DNA testing has a number of legal implications. It can be used to identify suspects and victims of crime, to determine paternity, and to diagnose genetic diseases.
DNA evidence is one of the most important tools in law enforcement. It can be used to identify suspects, link suspects to crime scenes, and exonerate innocent people. DNA evidence has been used to solve thousands of crimes, including murders, rapes, and robberies.
DNA testing can also be used to determine paternity. If a man is the father of a child, then his DNA will be identical to the child’s DNA. DNA testing is often used in child support cases and child custody cases.
DNA testing can also be used to diagnose genetic diseases. For example, DNA testing can be used to diagnose cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, and Down syndrome. DNA testing can also be used to screen for genetic diseases before a child is born.
Conclusion
DNA testing is a powerful tool that can be used in a variety of fields, including law enforcement, medicine, and genealogy. DNA testing can be used to identify individuals, determine paternity, diagnose genetic diseases, and exonerate innocent people.
Relevant Hyperlinks

DNA Testing Basics: https://www.yourdnaguide.com/dna-testing-beginners 
How DNA Testing Works: https://www.snexplores.org/article/explainer-how-dna-testing-works
Legal Implications of DNA Testing: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK236044/ 
DNA Evidence in Law Enforcement: https://cebcp.org/evidence-based-policing/what-works-in-policing/research-evidence-review/dna-for-police-investigations/ 
DNA Testing for Paternity: https://dna.labcorp.com/ 
DNA Testing for Genetic Diseases: https://www.cdc.gov/genomics/gtesting/genetic_testing.htm

Footnotes

National Human Genome Research Institute, “What is DNA?”: https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/understanding/basics/dna/ 
Federal Bureau of Investigation, “DNA Evidence”: https://www.findlaw.com/criminal/criminal-procedure/how-dna-evidence-works.html
American Society of Paternity Lawyers, “Paternity Testing”: https://dna.labcorp.com/ 
National Institutes of Health, “Genetic Testing”: https://www.cdc.gov/genomics/gtesting/genetic_testing.htm