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DNA Fingerprinting
Is it reliable? A reputable lab will compare many DNA fragments to assure a high level of reliability (often chances of having two alike are smaller than one in a billion). Variations in racial and ethnic groups are taken into account. The science itself seems to be much more reliable than human errors (mislabeling or contaminating a sample, for example), so repetition is very important
Comparing two samples of DNA to determine identity or relationships. Used in crimes, research, diagnosis of genetic disorders, and identifying contamination.
How is it done? RFLP = Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism Isolate and copy DNA fragments using PCR; cut fragments with restriction enzymes, separate fragments using gel electrophoresis. Becuase different individuals have different DNA sequences and enzymes cut at specific sequences, there are likely to be differences in the lengths of the resulting fragments.
