Why man alone should be known for being the social being on planet? Studies have shown that Chimps are equally social within their group and love spending time with families,friends and neighbors. Now, this brings us to yet another interesting fact. Have you ever noticed that Chimps can walk upright on two legs as easily as us; the Bipedal humans?
Well, its not to demean our human existence; biologically, humans and chimps have more than 98% of DNA similarity! And that’s not all. Humans have 99.9% of DNA similarity with every other human on planet. It is only that 0.1% difference that makes us so distinct and unique in our appearance, traits or personality.
DNA – Deoxyribonucleic Acid is the molecule that carries genetic information and is definitely an answer to many of our queries anent our existence on earth.
Study of DNA structure and functioning is regarded as the most important inventions till date. From mapping family tree to decoding criminal cases, or reasons of obesity; DNA profiling has it all and more to explore.
Therefore, for all those who are curious to know more about how DNA tests truly work; and what else these tests can disclose from earlier remains, you have definitely landed to the best place. This post has loads to reveal about DNA tests and procedures in India.
DNA Helical Strands could reach the moon!
DNA is a double helical structure and forms the core constituent of chromosomes. Helical structure implies that the DNA molecule comprises of two string like structures that are intertwined with each other.
DNA is present in every cell of our body or for that matter, any living being on earth. If every DNA from all the cells were attached to one another end to end, then it could stretch to 744 million miles! So, you know that the moon is still nearer.
Within cells, DNA resides in the nucleus as a set of instructions necessary for the cell to grow and function normally.
How do our eyes know that they are supposed to “See”and not ”Smell?” Yes it is the DNA that guides them.
DNA Profiling – Revealing all you want to know:
DNA test or profiling can dig out any piece of information from our past or make any future predictions with 100% accuracy.
The core areas where DNA test holds utmost importance are:
- Paternity and Sibling Connection: DNA test is a solution for all issues related to blood line and establishment of family connections.
- Forensic Science and Crime: Millions of criminal cases require forensic evidence that calls for DNA tests. Identifying dead bodies and routing the causes of death would have been impossible without DNA finger printing.
- Health and Genetic Disorders: Various diseases such as Sickle cell anaemia or Down Syndrome etc. are tracked down to our genes. Tapping into the genetic information through DNA tests can help in finding some solutions to many hereditary diseases.
DNA Test – How it works?
A) Sample Collection:
- Usually, DNA samples required for the test can be extremely minute and collected from any part of the body. However, depending upon the purpose behind DNA testing, the samples can be collected from specific locations.
- For Investigation: Generally, crime scenes are left with no sufficient DNA traces and therefore, minute samples from saliva, hair strands, semen, dried blood or urine are sufficient to carry out the procedure.
- For establishing relations: Cases where DNA tests are conducted for establishing family lineage, blood samples from veins are taken from all related individuals and the one whose identity is to be verified. In case of babies, the sample is collected from heels instead of veins.
- For dead body identification: Sometimes when bodies get excessively decomposed, DNA samples are collected from bones and teeth.
B) 3 Most Common Procedures:
Presently, there are 3 procedures followed for DNA test and analysis. These tests have been listed with brief explanation in the following section.
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Polymerase Chain Reaction(PCR):
This process is also known as PCR amplification, as it involves generating million copies of DNA from small amount of sample obtained from biological components. For forensic studies and investigation, there is a list of 13 locations from where biological components of accused and victims can be obtained. PCR is also effective in determination of various disorders and physical ailments within body.
The process starts by heating DNA samples to separate the two helical strands into two distinct DNA strands. Next, the lab technicians use several man made components to copy or amplify specific and targeted sequence or genetic codes within the DNA sample. Finally, the two separate DNA strands with marked sequence are made to generate two other copies. Thus, the process continues and facilitates enough sample for technicians to carry out any number of analysis required. -
PCR on DNA of Mitochondria in cells:
This method of PCR is conducted when DNA samples are obtained from dried bones, teeth, very minute hair strands etc. PCR on Mitochondriac DNA is very similar to normal PCR explained above.
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Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism(RFLP):
This procedure has restricted use because of the time it involves. The procedure is carried out on unbroken DNA samples or considerable amount of blood stains. It is an effective procedure carried out for crime investigation.
Out of the three procedures, the first method of PCR is the most common method followed for DNA testing. It is applicable for all cases of crime investigation or relation establishments. In addition, PCR tests are quite cost effective and available with almost all clinical and diagnostic setups in India. You may find the list of nearby DNA testing centers along with their costs here.
DNA test is definitely a breakthrough, not only in the world of science and medicine, but also has a great impact on crime investigation and control.