Types of DNA Testing Deoxyribonucleic acid or DNA is that vital part of any living being on Earth which contains genetic codes for that individual. Each person’s DNA is unique from the DNA of others. In fact, even identical twins have different DNA. Under normal circumstances, the DNA of an organism or plant is not to be meddled with or brought into question. But sometimes, special circumstances arise which require us to perform DNA testing and proceed to further research. Importance of DNA testing: When it comes to the testing of DNA, it is acknowledged as a highly specialized field as even a small mistake can put the society and mankind in great peril. There are a myriad of uses of DNA testing; a few of them are enumerated below: • • • • •
DNA nanotechnology Bioinformatics Genetic engineering History and anthropology Forensics
The above mentioned are broad categories in which the testing of DNA plays a very important part. Therefore, it is imperative to understand the gravity of the task and deal with it accordingly. Types of DNA testing: Mitochondrial analysis: This technique for DNA sampling involves the mitochondria of the cells and is used in cases of degraded samples. Since the mitochondrial DNA is obtained from the maternal side, it is often used to establish relationship with the maternal side of the family. One of the famous cases where the technique was used is the case of a certain Anna Anderson claiming to be the Russian princess Anastasia Romanov. STR analysis: Based on the PCR technique, it uses short tandem repeats (STR) to determine the sample of DNA.
DNA family relationship analysis: This technique uses the PCR technology and mainly hinges on the availability of junk DNA on almost any part of the body. There are certain types of DNA that are for the guidance and working of particular organs. The remaining DNA is called ‘Junk DNA’. This is used in DNA testing to establish relationships between siblings, etc. PCR analysis: Polymerase chain reaction or the PCR technique has helped mankind tremendously as it took DNA sampling to a whole new level. It gave the testing team the power to unearth vital information about a person during the time of profiling. Now, a lot more information could be recovered from even a small quantity of sample. Y-chromosome analysis: To determine the paternal side of the family, this technique is quite useful as Y chromosomes come only through the father of a child. This method of DNA testing was used in the famous Thomas Jefferson – Sally Hemings controversy. AmpFLP: Amplified fragment length polymorphism or the AmpFLP based technique was invariably faster than the RFLP analysis and is still used as a means to do DNA sampling in low-income countries. This is because the entire set up to test DNA is low cost and therefore a very viable option for such countries. RFLP analysis: The acronym stands for Restriction fragment length polymorphism and this is one of the first few techniques to sample DNA. After this, came the Southern blot technique. The former was discarded as it required non-degraded samples in great amount. The latter was not practiced much because the entire process was difficult to begin with. Today, in extreme cases of determining paternity, or when a person is claiming to be someone else, these are perfect examples of situations where DNA sampling or DNA testing is the only method to determine the true answers. These scenarios arise when there is nasty divorce, custody battle, or when a property settlement issue comes up. A case in point is that of the Pakistani cricketing legend who acknowledged his love child only after the paternity test was able to establish identity and provide proof of paternity. For More information about DNA Testing Boca Raton visit www.labbocaraton.com