Answer :
Answer: B) Identifying unique patterns in an individual's DNA for purposes such as identification or forensic analysis.
Explanation: The process of DNA fingerprinting involves using multiple processes in order to isolate specific parts of an individual's genome for identification and comparison purposes. The purpose of DNA fingerprinting is to identify individuals using parts of their DNA, which is useful in specific scenarios such as crime scene investigations or paternity tests.
Therefore, DNA fingerprinting doesn't involve sequencing the entire genome of an organism, as that is too costly and time-consuming. Instead, DNA fingerprinting isolates specific genes with high variability amongst individuals, thus allowing for an cheaper yet still as effective process in identifying individuals. As a result, choice D is incorrect.
DNA fingerprinting has nothing to do with identifying an individual's blood type or physical characteristics. The name of the process makes it pretty clear that it involves identifying DNA, not either of the other aforementioned characteristics. Thus, choice A and C are incorrect.
DNA Fingerprinting Process
- DNA is acquired from a biological source. This can be from the blood, hair root cells, or other bodily fluids of an individual. The DNA is then extracted and isolated from the cells of that individual using repeated centrifugation and chemical solutions.
- Upon obtaining the isolated DNA samples, the DNA samples are then replicating through polymerase chain reaction. This process uses DNA polymerase and nucleotides in order to create several copies of the original DNA content. This is necessary for the final step of the DNA fingerprinting process.
- Finally, restriction enzymes are used to cut the DNA strands and gel electrophoresis is ran on the DNA pieces. Since everyone's DNA contains minute differences, the restriction enzymes are going to cut everyone's DNA at unique locations since restriction enzymes are very specific as to the sequences they cut. Gel electrophoresis separates the DNA strands by size, and this separation of DNA strands constitutes an individuals DNA fingerprint.
