Question 24 of 25beginner🧠 RememberShort Answer2 marks

What is DNA fingerprinting? Mention its application.

Correct Answer

DNA fingerprinting is a technique to find out variations in individuals of a population at DNA level. It works on the principle of polymorphism in DNA sequences. It involves identifying differences in specific regions called repetitive DNA, where a small stretch of DNA is repeated many times. These sequences form satellite DNA which shows high degree of polymorphism. The technique was initially developed by Alec Jeffreys using Variable Number of Tandem Repeats (VNTR) as a probe.

It has immense applications in the field of forensic science, genetic biodiversity and evolutionary biology. It is also useful in determining population and genetic diversities. It is a very quick way to compare the DNA sequences of any two individuals.

Exercise: EXERCISES | Q: 13 | (Page 31)
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Explanation

The answer covers both parts of the question - definition and applications of DNA fingerprinting. Key terms from the textbook are included: polymorphism, repetitive DNA, satellite DNA, VNTR, and Alec Jeffreys as the developer. The applications (forensic science, genetic biodiversity, evolutionary biology, population and genetic diversities) are directly extracted from the context.

Solution Steps

  1. Step 1: Define DNA fingerprinting as a technique to find variations at DNA level based on polymorphism

  2. Step 2: Explain the basis - repetitive DNA sequences/satellite DNA showing high polymorphism

  3. Step 3: Mention Alec Jeffreys and VNTR probe

  4. Step 4: List applications - forensic science, genetic biodiversity, evolutionary biology, population and genetic diversities

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