تاريخ و ملابسات اكتشاف البصمة الوراثية في تحديد الشخصية

Abstract EN

The technology of D.N.A.

carries prime importance in the world today.

Its discovery is considered a contribution of marvellous sig- nificance.

The present study reflects an endeavour to shed some light on the subject.

It is enriched with some pertinent historical glimpses.

DNA technology implies “ DNA fingerprinting “ or “ DNA profiling “.

This is based on the principle that the genetic makeup of every person is different from the other but is unique and distinctive in char- acter.

DNA identification is the only definite, positive and permanent identification method.

For DNA never changes throughout life time.

Nor can it be altered by any method.

Other identification methods like picture ID, social security numbers (as in USA) and fingerprints or thumb impressions have their limitations.

The photograph may fade or has to be updated frequently as in case of a baby or a child.

The forensic use of DNA started with the work of Alec Jeffreys, a geneticist at the University of Leicester (U.K.).

In 1984, Jeffrey invented the techniques that took human identification from the labo- ratory to the courtroom.

With his co-workers, he also demonstrated that forensic samples, dried stains several years old, contained sufficient DNA to yield conclusive results.

A detective in the East Midlands (U.

K) sought Jeffrey‘s help in solving the vicious murder and rape of two British school girls.

The police brought Jeffrey‘s semen samples from the murder scenes and a blood sample from the suspect.

Jeffrey confirmed that the same person committed both crimes.

The introduction of DNA methods to the courtroom by private companies was unique in the history of forensic science.

The major private companies were racing with each other to the courtroom.

They hoped to license their procedures and sell their propriety materials to as many crime laboratories as they could.

They used different tools that produced incompatible results which precluded comparison.

As DNA testing became established, some labs were overwhelmed with case work.

These labs were run, in its initial phase, by academic scientists, not forensic scientists.

The practical applications of DNA fingerprinting are numerous.

DNA fingerprints are used in pedigree analysis and establishing paternity and maternity.

DNA profiling is now-a-days used by the immigration authorities in establishing family relationship.

The list of additional uses for DNA fingerprinting continues to grow.

For example, DNA makers have proven to be powerful in the study of population genetics.