The Effectiveness of DNA Profiling in Forensics

Technology greatly strengthened forensic medicine. DNA analysis is one of the ways to influence the effectiveness and reliability of forensic evidence. The Federal Bureau of Investigation began using DNA in one of the cases in 1988. In Europe, the UK opened a DNA database in 1955 (Milena, 2006). The primary use of DNA is to compare the evidence gathered at the crime scene with the suspect. In addition, it helps to establish a link between evidence and criminal. By using techniques to make investigations easier, DNA has become one of the most effective ways to investigate.

DNA analysis is a forensic technique in criminal investigation that evaluates the possibility of involvement in crime by comparing evidence of suspects' personal data and DNA. It is also used for paternity testing, establishment of immigration status, and for genealogy and medical research. DNA analysis is also used for the study of populations of animals and plants in zoology, botany and agriculture. 99.9% of human DNA sequences are identical in each person, but sufficient DNA is different, so long as they are not twins of the same twin ("identical") one can distinguish one from another. DNA analysis uses a variable number tandem repeat (VNTR), especially a highly variable repeat ("repeat") sequence termed short tandem repeats (STR) also known as microsatellites and small satellites.

In traditional DNA analysis sometimes called DNA fingerprinting, DNA is used as biometric ID. As with iris scans and fingerprints, DNA profiles can uniquely identify individuals with very high precision. For forensic purposes this means that the researcher must have identified and obtained DNA from potentially matching individuals. The DNA phenotype is used when researchers need to understand personal ancestors and appearances, narrow down individual potential groups or identify unknown remains. If suspicious individuals are identified, if there is a reference sample available for comparison, traditional DNA analysis can be used to prove a match.