Your DNA fingerprint is unique to you except for identical twins. DNA fingerprinting involves extracting DNA from a sample, amplifying it using PCR, cutting it with restriction enzymes, and sorting the fragments by size using electrophoresis to generate a unique pattern that can be used to identify an individual. This technique is used for criminal investigations by matching crime scene DNA to a suspect's DNA, for paternity testing, diagnosing genetic disorders, and identifying military casualties.

2.  Your DNA fingerprint is a “fingerprint” of
your DNA after it has been cut into fragments.
No one has the exact same DNA Fingerprint except
for identical twins.
 DNA Fingerprinting is used as a way to
reliably identify an individual.
The chance that two people would have the same
DNA Fingerprint is nearly impossible

3. After a DNA sample is found, it is placed in a test tube with
several chemicals that will help break the cells down to release
the DNA.

4. Next, a UV spectrophotometer is used to see how much
DNA has been extracted.
Light rays are passed through the sample of DNA. The amount of
light that is absorbed depends on how much DNA is in the sample.
The more DNA there is, the more light is absorbed.

5.  Then, the polymerase chain reaction is used to increase
the amount of DNA available

6. After more DNA has been created, restriction
enzymes are used to cut the DNA at specific places.

7. The DNA pieces are then sorted using a technique called
electrophoresis.
This uses an electrical current to sort the fragments by size. When
charged, smaller fragments of DNA will move farther than larger
pieces.

8. The DNA is then transferred to a nylon sheet and probes
are added so the DNA fingerprint can be seen.
DNA Fingerprinting Video

9.  DNA fingerprinting is often used as biological evidence in
criminal cases.
 If DNA of a suspect matches DNA found at a crime scene, then
the DNA fingerprint can be used as evidence to prove someone
guilty or innocent.
 DNA fingerprinting can also be used in paternity testing.
 If the DNA fingerprint of a child is similar to that of a potential
parent, then they are most likely related.
 DNA fingerprinting is used to diagnose inherited disorders in
both prenatal and newborn babies.
 In the U.S. military, DNA fingerprinting is starting to be used as a
way to identify casualties or people that are missing in action.
 It can also help people that were proven guilty, but were innocent,
be proven innocent and taken out of jail.

10. ╪ When used in court cases, evidence from DNA
fingerprinting is not always accepted.
╪ Not everyone is going to understand what they are being
showed.
╪ Test can be inaccurate and in some cases, matches can
be wrong.
╪ There are DNA databanks full of DNA from convicted
criminals and suspects. These samples can be used to
help solve cases, but not everyone agrees that DNA
should be kept on record.