Video Transcript
Fill in the blank. DNA fingerprinting can be used to
identify closely related organisms, analyze samples found at crime scenes using
forensic technology, and blank. (A) Create recombinant DNA, (B)
determine the biological parents of a child, (C) treat genetic and hereditary
diseases, or (D) generate synthetic sections of DNA.
Every person with the exception of
identical twins has a unique genome. DNA fingerprinting is a technique
used to make a visual representation of a person’s unique genetic makeup. By visualizing and viewing a
person’s genetic makeup, we can find some valuable information. For instance, we can compare
samples of DNA to determine if a person was present at a crime scene. Or we can compare samples of DNA
from different species to investigate evolutionary relationships.
DNA fingerprinting can also be used
to settle issues of paternity in the case of a disputed lineage of a child. This is because the child will have
inherited half of their genetic material and therefore half their DNA fingerprint
from their mother and half from their father. By comparing the DNA fingerprint of
a child to that of the potential fathers, scientists can determine whether a male is
likely related to a child.
However, DNA fingerprinting is not
a way to create any type of genetic material or treat any genetic disease. And we do not use DNA
fingerprinting to generate synthetic sections of DNA, but only to analyze a sample
of DNA that we have taken. So the correct answer is (B). DNA fingerprinting can be used to
identify closely related organisms, analyze samples found at crime scenes using
forensic technology, and determine the biological parents of a child.
