DNA Fingerprinting: Principle, Procedure, Applications, Advantages, Limitations & Future Scope (Complete Guide 2026)
Introduction Every living organism carries a unique genetic blueprint known as DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) , which stores the hereditary information responsible for growth, development, and biological characteristics. Except for identical twins, no two individuals have exactly the same DNA sequence. This remarkable uniqueness forms the foundation of DNA fingerprinting , one of the most significant breakthroughs in modern molecular biology and forensic science . DNA fingerprinting, also known as DNA profiling or genetic fingerprinting , is a laboratory technique used to identify individuals by analyzing specific regions of their DNA that vary from person to person. Rather than examining the entire genome, scientists focus on highly variable DNA markers that create a distinctive genetic profile for each individual. This profile can be compared with DNA obtained from biological samples such as blood, saliva, hair roots, semen, skin cells, bones, plant tissues, or seeds to determine...