- Published: November 17, 2021
- Updated: November 17, 2021
- University / College: University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
- Level: Secondary School
- Language: English
- Downloads: 41
Genetic Fingerprinting Genetic fingerprinting, also known as DNA finger printing is a scientific method that allows doctors and scientists to identify specific DNA markers that are unique to each individual with the intention of helping to identify that particular individual in various databases. The proper definition of the term is defined as “… the analysis of a small amount of genetic material from a blood or cellular sample, which is unique per individual as a fingerprint is, as an aid to identification, also called DNA profiling, genetic profiling…” (“ dictionary. com”, n. d.) Thanks to the discovery and identification of the Human DNA Chain, it is now possible to use genetic fingerprinting in the further advancement of various fields of research that include, but are not limited to scientific and legal fields.
Although there are sectors of society that feel uncomfortable with the idea of genetic finger printing among babies, it is actually a method that could come in handy should the need arise for the child in the future. Not only does DNA profiling prove the line of heredity among people, but it also protects them from unjust application of the law should that person be involved in a complicated legal tussle that can be resolved by DNA evidence in the future (2012). Therefore, I am quite comfortable and in agreement with the move to enact genetic finger printing on babies. It is always best to start collating the history of a person early on in life and genetic finger printing is the first step towards that accurate record keeping.
However, I do not agree that genetic finger printing information should be placed in a record controlled only by the government of each individual country that uses the database since genetic finger printing is primarily used as a tool to protect the people of a nation. It should not be made accessible to all people due to the delicate nature of the information contained. The information should be accessible only to parties that require the information on a need to know basis. This means that the parties requiring access to the said information should only be released after obtaining the proper clearance from the parents of the child, person in question, or accredited government agency with the purpose of use clearly stated within the request. The information should also be released only for what I feel are one of two valid reasons. Either the person has a medical need to release the information or, as I mentioned earlier, the person is involved in a legal matter that can only be resolved by genetic evidence.
The main problem with genetic finger printing is that in our day and age of terrorist threats on an international scale, an internationally shared genetic databank of all people could result in unjust racial profiling of people. It could result in illegal detention and arrests of innocent people. On a scientific basis, the DNA samples could easily be ruined and thus result in a contaminated specimen that could alter the specimen causing it to be useless for the purpose it was obtained.
Sources
N. A. n. d. Benefits and limits of dna fingerprinting. DNA Fingerprinting. Retrieved from http://dnafingerprinting19. tripod. com/id2. html
N. A. n. d. Genetic fingerprinting. Dictionary. com. Retrieved from http://dictionary. reference. com/browse/genetic+fingerprinting
Rosner, D. (2012) . How does dna fingerprinting work?. Science Articles. Retrieved from http://www. thenakedscientists. com/HTML/articles/article/dalyacolumn8. htm/
