DNA is uniquely coded for each individual and can therefore be used for security purposes. DNA fingerprinting and databases allow law enforcement to identify criminals and reopen cold cases. DNA is very difficult to alter or destroy and can be extracted from old blood samples or smudged fingerprints, making it a reliable source of evidence. As DNA technology advances, it is being used more widely for national security, investigations, and everyday access control like dormitories and banks. DNA databases contain profiles that can track individuals and aid in solving crimes.

1. Ivan J. Garcia
804-10-2844
UPR-Cayey
RISE Laboratory (Biol 3009)
Dra. Belinda Roman
July 23, 2010
DNA as a Source of Security
Technology using DNA is rapidly growing. Especially in the sectors of security,
medicine and history. DNA is the person’s personal and unique codification. Security is a
rapid growing field in which DNA is currently being used. Security has evolved from
simple identification cards and codes into much more complex DNA fingerprinting and
DNA testing. This also includes DNA databases to actually trace and keep record of the
person’s entrance and exits. In theory DNA in security also includes DNA databases.
Deoxyribonucleic acid or DNA (as it is commonly known) is an organism’s
unique codification and genetic information. Each organism has a different DNA
sequence. Although organisms use the same nucleotides, they differ greatly in
organization, amount, and relative way of codification. DNA’s main goal is to store
information on the long term and give instructions for protein synthesis and RNA. DNA
has a double helix formation and each strand has a sequence of nucleotides that
compliment the other strands sequence. Because DNA is unique and different for each
individual organism it is a valuable asset in the security branch of technology.
DNA is applied to security mainly via fingerprinting and blood tests. The results
of these tests go directly into a DNA data bank or database. DNA can also be applied into
investigations as DNA is permanent for each organism and therefore cannot be altered.
DNA technology has also grown to the point in which an old blood stain, many years old
(such as Lincolns blood stained cloth) can have extractable DNA with a full history of the
persons past, including diseases and other malignous conditions the person might have
had suffered. This means that law enforcement can now re-open cold case files faster and
more efficiently, while greater intensifying general security as a whole.
DNA now plays a crucial role in national security and security as a whole. The
US government uses DNA security in most of their security systems, utilizing advanced
fingerprinting DNA and other types of getting DNA. These measures also include a DNA
database, or as it is now known, a databank. These two systems combined makes for a
great increase in security. This is due to the fact that DNA is unique and different for
each person. Every person has a different DNA sequence and DNA “tag”. This means
that only that one person, using their DNA (via fingerprinting or any other method of
DNA) can have their unique tag.
Not only is DNA used in national security, it is also being used in everyday
activities and places. Recently a lot of college dorms are using DNA technology to open
the dorm doors instead of keys. This is a lot safer than keys, because, as stated before,

2. DNA is unique to that one person and only that person can open the doors to the dorm.
These are also used in banks and other places in which security is a plus. This is due to
the uniqueness of the person and their accounts.
One of the fields that DNA is most influential is in investigations. Many cold-case
files where made cold because of the lack of technology to manipulate DNA, but this is
no longer a problem. DNA technology has gotten so advanced, that even a smudged
fingerprint or a simple hair can detect a person. This also aids in investigations as DNA is
not easily destroyed from surfaces or from where it is located, meaning that in a criminal
investigation it is easier to recompile evidence from places or situations where it was
usually impossible in the past, such as in rainfall, or dusty places. As an add-on this entire
DNA that is recompiled is also sent and stored in a DNA databank.
A DNA databank contains all the DNA recompiled so far and can track almost
every single persons DNA with a small sample of the persons DNA. Once a DNA is
captured and transferred to a computer, it goes directly into a DNA databank that holds
all of the DNA sequence, information, person’s information, and health related details in
an individual profile. DNA can be called the personal profile and identification of an
individual.
DNA is now used as an important tool for security, investigations and profiling.
DNA can aid in investigations by using DNA databanks and by recompilating DNA from
evidence sites. DNA technology has grown from simple DNA tests, to DNA
recompilations and databanks that serve their purpose in security and help solves crimes
and make the nation more secure. DNA technology has been evolving since a long time
ago but is now used in many diverse ways and technologies. It is also predicted that it
will keep growing and expand to many other different branches.