ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF DNA TESTING

1. ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF DNA TESTING Ro_Group1: Ilies Ioana Lazurca Bianca Man Andreea Purcel Sanda

2. Introduction DNA ( Deoxyribonucleic acid ) , is a nucleic acid that contains the genetic instructions used in the development and functioning of all known living organism, with the exception of some viruses. The main role of DNA molecules is the long-term storage of information. DNA is often compared to a set of blueprints, like a recipe or a code, since it contains the instructions needed to construct other components of cells, such as proteins and RNA molecules. The DNA segments that carry this genetic information are called genes, but other DNA sequences have structural purposes, or are involved in regulating the use of this genetic information.

3. Advantages · One of the biggest advantages of DNA testing is its use in identifying suspects in a criminal investigation. Because each individual has unique DNA, the margin of error is very small, making it a better form of identification than fingerprints. DNA evidence from blood, skin or hair can be matched to the DNA of a suspect to determine information about where an individual was and who they may have come in contact with.DNA analysis is especially important in cases of rape, where doctors can often examine a victim and find traces of the rapist's DNA, which can the be compared to suspects to determine the guilty party.

4. Fingerprints can be altered and are only on the fingers. Burning or cutting a finger can change the makeup of the print. A DNA fingerprint is identical for every part of your body, whether it is your brain, kidney or foot. It cannot be changed, so it will be identical no matter what is done to a body. Not Isolated Using fingerprints requires that you get a print from a finger--no other body part will work. With DNA, all you need is a few cells from any part of the body. A strand of hair, saliva from the mouth,or skin cells from the hand all have the same DNA.

5. Disease Screening Another major advantage of DNA analysis is the ability to screen for certain genetic diseases or risk factors. Prospective parents can be tested to determine if they carry genes that are responsible for certain conditions that may be present in other members of their families. This may have an effect on the decision of whether or not to have children.Women involved in certain fertility treatments can also get information about an embryo before it is implanted. This can eliminate or confirm the presence of some genetic disorders, increasing the likelihood of a safe pregnancy and a healthy child.

6. Disadvantages Privacy Concerns One key disadvantage of DNA analysis is the potential for invasion of individual privacy. Because a person's DNA reveals so much information about their physical state, it is sensitive information that must be carefully guarded. Concerns about employers gaining access to genetic information about employees and using it to make hiring decisions or determine health care eligibility are common. Information about an individual's ethnic background and parentage could become cause for discrimination.

7. There is no consensus on what should happen to DNA samples once they have been taken. Some jurisdictions hold on to samples for years, even when the suspect has been cleared of any guilt. Police may try to use the samples to look for matches when investigating future crimes. Storing DNA may also lead to the possibility that insurance companies will access the samples to test individuals for diseases that are caused by genetic defects.

8. Because DNA can be amplified in the laboratory using a process called polymerase chain reaction, an amount of tissue as small as 10 microliters may be sufficient to perform identity testing. This also allows the police to send small samples to multiple independent labs, reducing the possibility of an error affecting the results. DNA is also more stable than the proteins contained in blood. Therefore it can be used to solve cases that are older and in which the samples may be more degraded, or which have been exposed to materials such as solvents or detergents.

9. The chance of a DNA match between two persons who aren't twins is from 1/7000 to 1/1,000,000,000, depending on the frequency of the patterns being compared. This is a much more specific test than other methods such as blood type, and DNA is present in any of kind of body tissue, so it is more likely to be found at a crime scene than blood. DNA testing is also more reliable than eyewitness testimony

10. Conclusion • Almost every day has a program on television that deals with the use of forensic sciences, and DNA, to solve crimes. "CSI," "NCIS," "Law & Order" and "Cold Case" all have someone in the cast who deals with forensic science to solve cases. Although these television shows are fictitious, they are based on fact and how science is used to solve criminal investigations. One of the most effective tests used is DNA fingerprinting. It is a very effective way of identifying an individual, but it is not fool Cannot Be Altered.

11. References : • Rose & Goos. DNA — A Practical Guide. Toronto: Carswell Publications. • Identification of the remains of the Romanov family by DNA analysis by Peter Gill, Central Research and Support Establishment, Forensic Science Service, Aldermaston, Reading, Berkshire, RG7 4PN, UK, Pavel L. Ivanov, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy 117984, Moscow, Russia, Colin Kimpton, Romelle Piercy, Nicola Benson, Gillian Tully, Ian Evett, Kevin Sullivan, Forensic Science Service, Priory House, Gooch Street North, Birmingham B5 6QQ, UK, Erika Hagelberg • "Mistaken identity claim over murder". BBC News. February 15, 2003.Retrieved April 1, 2010. • Advantages and disadvantages of DNA analisys, by Dennis Hartman , eHow Contributor ,updated april 15, 2010 .