Brilliant minds train the young on DNA fingerprinting

Providing a power point presentation at the programme here on Monday, Forensic Science Laboratories Scientist, Dr Vinod J Lakappan on the basics and advantages of ‘DNA fingerprinting’, caught the eye of the many students, as they learnt how the police department matches DNA samples to catch criminals.

Basics

Explaining the basics, Dr Lakappan said that DNA of a person comprises 50 per cent each from mother and father. He said that 99 per cent of the body DNA structure is common to all people and only one per cent is different, making it easier to match the structures.

Citing an example, he said that just as each SIM has a different number that makes it unique, DNA structure is arranged in a unique order, except in the case of twins.

He said that in DNA fingerprinting, identification and comparison go hand in hand. He said that DNA sampling is done by first collecting the samples at a crime scene. Later, tissues are taken from a suspect to identify if he is the culprit. Dr Lakappan observed that conventional fingerprinting methods needed the full set of prints.

DNA sampling

However, DNA sampling can use blood, saliva, semen, hair, bone and skin tissue making it a more reliable identifier.

Earlier, Mysore Science Centre Director N Shekar said that everybody has to take an interest to improve science and make A P J Abdul Kalam’s vision of making India a superpower by 2020 come true. Even though most people are using mobile phones in rural areas, they shy away from learning about science. He said that we should improve awareness about science and it is possible only through children.

Former Head of the Department, Food Engineering Division, CFTRI, A Ramesh, Deputy Director, PU Education Department, Chandramma and others were present.