Key Area 1.5: Essay Questions

Question 1

Give an account of DNA profiling and it’s applications

Answer 1

• DNA sample tested with an array of DNA probes
• specific sequences detected by the probes
• fluorescent labelling allows the detection under UV light of the identified sequences
• sequences can be separated ( by electrophoresis)to give a DNA profile
• individuals vary in the number of sequence repeats their DNA contains
• profiles are unique to individuals
• allows identification of individuals from their DNA in forensics
• allows parents of a child to be indetified