Question:

Who developed DNA fingerprinting?

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DNA fingerprinting is a technique that helps to determine an individual’s DNA characteristics.

Updated On: Aug 11, 2023
  • T.H. Morgan

  • Alec Jeffreys
  • Fedrick Sanger
  • Francois Jacob
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Answer (B) DNA fingerprinting technique was first developed by Alec Jeffreys.

Complete answer:

DNA fingerprinting is a technique that helps to determine an individual’s DNA characteristics. It is based on the principle that although 99.9% of DNA is the same for all individuals there are enough differences that help in identifying one individual from another.


Alternate Approach:

The technique of DNA fingerprinting was discovered by Alec Jeffrey in late 1984. The technique has several steps with sample preparation being the first one. 

  • Samples are collected from the individual, samples may include blood, saliva, semen, vaginal lubrication, or any other personalized items such as a toothbrush or razor.
  • This is followed by the extraction of the DNA from the sample that has been collected.
  • For extraction of the DNA, the cells need to be broken which allows the DNA to be free in the solution, after being separated from other cellular components, the remaining cellular debris is removed leaving the DNA in the solution.
  • The DNA is then cut using restriction enzymes leading to the fragmentation of the DNA.
  • These fragments are separated by electrophoresis following transfer to the membrane.
  • Then a radiolabeled probe is hybridized on the membrane and the binding pattern can be observed using an X-Ray film.

Hence, the correct answer is option (B)

Note: DNA fingerprinting is an important forensic tool used for criminal investigations. It is mostly used to find out the criminal through the DNA found at the crime scene. It is also used for genealogical and medical research purposes and in parentage testing.

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Concepts Used:

DNA Fingerprinting

​​DNA fingerprinting, also called DNA typing, DNA profiling, genetic fingerprinting, genotyping, or identity testing, in genetics, method of isolating and identifying variable elements within the base-pair sequence of DNA.

The procedure of DNA Fingerprinting:

The procedure for creating a DNA fingerprint consists of first obtaining a sample of cells, such as skin, hair, or blood cells, which contain DNA. The DNA is extracted from the cells and purified. In Jeffreys’s original approach, which was based on restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) technology, the DNA was then cut at specific points along the strand with proteins known as restriction enzymes. The enzymes produced fragments of varying lengths that were sorted by placing them on a gel and then subjecting the gel to an electric current (electrophoresis): the shorter the fragment, the more quickly it moved toward the positive pole (anode). The sorted double-stranded DNA fragments were then subjected to a blotting technique in which they were split into single strands and transferred to a nylon sheet. The fragments underwent autoradiography in which they were exposed to DNA probes—pieces of synthetic DNA that were made radioactive and that bound to the minisatellites. A piece of X-ray film was then exposed to the fragments, and a dark mark was produced at any point where a radioactive probe had become attached. The resultant pattern of marks could then be analyzed.