Since its discovery 20 years ago, the use of DNA for human identity and the relationship of the test has emerged as a powerful tool in both civil and criminal justice systems. DNA tests can reveal if two or more persons are related, as well as determining the nature of their relationship. Today, it is possible to identify people by a single hair, as well as to obtain information on their gender and ethnic background, and in the next two years, to identify their age.
Before the advent of DNA tests, tests of human identity was largely completed by blood typing. Analysis of DNA is now replaced blood and is the most accurate method currently available for identification.
The possibility that the DNA could be used for human identity and the relationship of the test had been examined from the time DNA has been found that the molecule that makes people unique. However, it was not until the discovery of DNA by Professor Alec Jeffreys (now Sir Alec) at the University of Leicester in 1984 when the first trials of the system are available. Like fingerprints classics, where various loops and whorls are compared between two fingerprints, DNA analysis based on the comparison of the DNA of certain characteristics called DNA markers between two individuals. If modes of DNA between samples are identical, then they are likely to come from the same person. If the profiles are not identical but are great similarities, the samples come most likely related individuals. The degree of similarity between the DNA profile is a reflection of the degree of relationship between people.
Currently, DNA testing is routinely used in both criminal and non-criminal. But there's a big difference between DNA testing for civilians and for criminal cases. For civil cases, DNA testing is mainly used to determine the relationship between individuals, while for criminal cases of a crime task must match the suspect.
No criminal in legal practice, DNA testing is used primarily for immigration and child support. In 2004, more than 7000 DNA tests have been made for these purposes in the UK. Where there are no reliable documentary evidence is not available, DNA testing can help to determine different degrees of relatedness between the individuals involved, as well as ethnic origin.
The first time DNA testing has been used for purposes of identity was in the landmark immigration case Sarbah vs. Home Office (1985). In this case, DNA testing was used to prove the relationship between mother-daughter Christiana Sarbah and his son Andrew. Today, the Home Office accepts DNA testing as proof of kinship virtually indisputable. The results will be generally (but not always) to provide conclusive evidence as to whether the individuals in question are related, as alleged.
UK Child Support Agency makes abundant use of DNA tests to determine who the biological parent of a child is to provide support and maintenance of children. Child support is one of the major areas of non-criminal DNA testing.
The adoption of children is another area where DNA analysis is widely applied. Currently, the UK adoption agencies adopt children in families that reflect their ethnic origin. Sometimes it is difficult to determine the ethics of the child and may contribute to DNA testing. People of different races and ethnic groups have their faces and other common characteristics that are typical of this particular race or group. The same applies to their genetic characteristics. Different racial and ethnic groups have genetic markers specific to these groups. Analysis of these markers, it is possible to indicate the proportion of his ancestors who came from various ethnic groups. However, it is impossible to determine at what stage the ancestors have contributed their DNA and also their number. For example, the results of DNA tests of ethnicity can show that the individual has 20% of specific markers to North Europe, 50% in the Middle East, 10% of the Mediterranean and 20% sub-Saharan Africa. Using this information the family with the greatest race of the child may be chosen.
Avi was awarded the prestigious Shell Live Wire Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2004. Avi strives to increase public awareness as to the benefits of http://www.dna-bioscience.co.uk>DNA testing and the continuing impact that technological advances will have on all our lives.
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