dna fingerprinting

English - English

Definition of dna fingerprinting in English English dictionary: DNA fingerprinting is the same as genetic fingerprinting. Method developed by the British geneticist Alec Jeffreys born 1950 in 1984 for isolating and making images of sequences of DNA. The procedure consists of obtaining a sample of cells containing DNA (e.g., from skin, blood, or hair), extracting the DNA, and purifying it. The DNA is then cut by enzymes, and the resulting fragments of varying lengths undergo procedures that permit them to be analyzed. The pattern of fragments is unique for each individual. DNA fingerprinting is used to help solve crimes and determine paternity; it is also used to locate gene segments that cause genetic diseases, to map the genetic material of humans (see Human Genome Project), to engineer drought-resistant plants (see genetic engineering), and to produce biological drugs from genetically altered cells
DNA fingerprint: An individual's unique sequence of DNA base pairs, determined by exposing a sample of the person's DNA to molecular probes. DNA fingerprints are often used as evidence in criminal law cases. Also called genetic fingerprint.DNA fingerprinting n
dna fingerprint: biometric identification obtained by examining a person's unique sequence of DNA base pairs; often used for evidence in criminal law cases