Uses of DNA profiling

How is it used at crime scenes?

It is performed on traces of DNA left at the crime scene. DNA traces obtained from blood, semen, saliva, hair roots and skin cells. DNA profile compared to that of a sample taken from a suspect or a criminal DNA database

How else is DNA profiling used?

To prove paternity of a child when it is in doubt. It is also used in immigration cases to prove or disprove family relationships

How is DNA profiling useful in evolution?

Identifies the species to which an organism belongs to, also used to demonstrate evolutionary relationships between different species

How can DNA profiling be used in identifying individuals who are at risk of developing particular diseases?

Certain non-coding microsatellites or the repeating patterns they make, have been found to be associated with an increased risk/incidence of particular diseases, including cancer. These specific gene markers can be identified and observed in DNA profiles