Abstract
Curiosity in the genes: the DNA fingerprinting story
Highlights
It is unusual for a scientific field to be associated with a single individual, but in the case of the subject of the thematic series being launched in Investigative Genetics, this is surely so; Alec Jeffreys (Figure 1) is DNA fingerprinting
The first DNA fingerprinting application was in parentage testing [6]; normally it is the father who is in doubt, but this unusual and challenging case was a maternity test, with paternal DNA unavailable
Given three undisputed children for comparison, it was possible to reconstruct the absent father’s DNA fingerprint, and to strongly support the claimed maternity over alternative relationships such as aunt-nephew - something that was not achieved with traditional protein polymorphisms such as blood groups
Summary
It is unusual for a scientific field to be associated with a single individual, but in the case of the subject of the thematic series being launched in Investigative Genetics, this is surely so; Alec Jeffreys (Figure 1) is DNA fingerprinting. The probe cross-reacted with a set of hypervariable minisatellites, and on the morning of Monday 11 September 1984 the first fuzzy DNA fingerprint emerged from the developing tank. Hot on the heels of this came the first application of DNA fingerprinting in forensic identification, in a case that beautifully exemplifies the power of DNA evidence to link crime-scenes, to exclude suspects, and to support convictions.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
