Inventor: Alec Jeffreys

Genetic fingerprinting has impacted our society in many ways, including criminal investigations and screening for genetic diseases.
Genetic fingerprinting, or DNA fingerprinting, was a process created by the British scientist Alec Jeffreys. It is performed by extracting DNA from body tissues or fluids such as hair, skin, and saliva. Using various enzymes, the sample is segmented, and each segment is arranged by size in a process called electrophoresis. The segments are then marked on x-ray film, and then form a pattern of black bars. These bars are compared to another sample, and if they match, it is likely that both samples came from the same source.
DNA testing has become an important part of some court cases as evidence. It has changed the outcome of many trials, but is controversial as its accuracy has not been completely determined. It is unknown if each piece of DNA is unique, as large scale research on this topic has not been performed. DNA testing has also been important in identifying diseases. Fingerprinting can show evidence of a genetic disease before symptoms appear, enabling prevention of the disease, or a reduction of risk factors. This has helped many people, and fingerprinting technology has developed to where it may be used to create drugs for the treatment of previously incurable diseases.

*Pictures from Microsoft Clip Art Gallery

Sources:
"DNA Fingerprinting," Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2003
http://encarta.msn.com © 1997-2003 Microsoft Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

Lycos Inc. DNA Fingerprinting for All. 11 October 2003. <http://www.wired.com/news/privacy/0,1848,58600,00.html>

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