What is the Difference Between DNA Fingerprinting and DNA Profiling?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚DNA fingerprinting and DNA profiling are terms that are often used interchangeably, as they both involve the use of DNA to identify individuals. However, there are some technical differences between the two methods:
- Technique: DNA fingerprinting, also known as the original DNA fingerprinting method, uses restriction enzymes to cut the DNA. In contrast, DNA profiling, also called STR analysis, relies on microsatellites and uses the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to produce many copies of specific STR sequences.
- Sensitivity: DNA profiling is incredibly sensitive, requiring only a tiny amount of DNA to produce a profile. This allows for the analysis of a wider range of biological samples, such as blood, saliva, and hair.
- Comparison: DNA fingerprinting involves comparing the patterns generated by radioactivity when DNA samples are exposed to it. Modern-day DNA profiling, on the other hand, involves comparing the unique profiles of each DNA sample.
Despite these differences, both DNA fingerprinting and DNA profiling are used to identify individuals based on the unique patterns in their DNA, and they have played a significant role in forensic science, crime solving, and paternity testing.
Comparative Table: DNA Fingerprinting vs DNA Profiling
DNA fingerprinting and DNA profiling are both molecular biological techniques used to identify individuals based on DNA variation. However, they have different focuses and applications. Here is a table highlighting the differences between the two:
| Feature | DNA Fingerprinting | DNA Profiling |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Focuses on VNTRs, which include both micro- and mini-satellites. | Mainly focuses on STRs or microsatellites. |
| Techniques | RFLP, AFLP, and PCR. | PCR. |
| Application | Used to identify bodies, track down blood relatives, and look for cures for diseases. | Used in criminal investigations and forensic studies. |
| Variation | Relies on the variation of minisatellites from one person to another. | Relies on the variation of microsatellites from one person to another. |
| Procedure | Includes restriction digestion. | Uses PCR amplification. |
| Database Storage | DNA profiles can be stored in databases to compare with crime scene evidence and establish genetic relationships within different populations of animals or plants. | DNA profiles can be stored in databases to compare with crime scene evidence and establish genetic relationships within different populations of animals or plants. |
Both techniques are used by qualified molecular biologists and focus on polymorphic regions of the genome. Gel electrophoresis is the main step in both techniques, and they can use biological samples like blood, hair, saliva, semen, etc., for the extraction of DNA.
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