What is DNA fingerprinting?

DNA fingerprinting is a test to identify and evaluate the genetic information, or DNA, in a person's cells. Nearly every cell in a person's body contains the smae complete set of DNA. The test called a 'fingerprint',because just as it is very unlikely that any two people would have exactly the same physical fingerprint, it is also very unlikely that any two people would have exactly the same DNA information.

Only a small sample of cells is needed for DNA fingerprinting. A drop of blood, or the root of hair, contains enough DNA for testing. The test is used to determine whether a family relatiohnship exists between two people. It is also used to identify organisms causing a diseaes.

Finally, DNA fingerprinting is an important tool to solve crimes. For example, DNA isolated from dried blood, saliva, or even a hair found at a crime scene, can be compared to a DNA sample collected from someone suspected of a crime, to prove his or her innocence or guilt.