What is genetic fingerprinting?

Genetic fingerprinting is a technique used to identify unique DNA patterns in individuals, to help with identification of individuals in forensics or to identify family relationships.


It is sometimes called DNA profiling.

Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.

What are variable number tandem repeats?

Variable number tandem repeats (VNTRs) are unique sequences of non-coding DNA that vary between individuals.


VNTRs can be used in genetic fingerprinting as their length and location are heritable and fairly unique to individuals.

Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.

What are the five main stages of making a genetic fingerprint?

  1. Extraction - DNA is extracted from a tissue sample and amplified using PCR
  2. Digestion - restriction enzymes cut DNA into fragments at specific points
  3. Separation - electrophoresis separates cut fragments of DNA to form a pattern
  4. Hybridisation - radioactive or fluorescent DNA probes bind with VNTRs
  5. Development - DNA fragments are visualised as a pattern of bars

Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.

Why might two genetic fingerprints be similar, and how does this allow genetic fingerprinting to be used in paternity tests?

If the individuals are closely related, their VNTR patterns will be more alike.


By matching bands on a child's genetic fingerprint to those of the parents, familial relationships can be determined by the similarities between VNTR patterns.

Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.

What is a key application of genetic fingerprinting in forensic science?

Genetic fingerprinting, can be used to determine whether a suspect's DNA matches samples like those in blood, semen, saliva, skin cells, or hair roots found at a crime scene.

Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.

How does genetic fingerprinting assist in medical diagnosis?

Genetic fingerprinting can be used to identify the risk of an individual developing genetic disorders like Huntington's disease, cancers, or heart disease by analysing DNA sequences.

Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.

How is genetic diversity assessed using genetic fingerprinting?

Genetic diversity can be assessed using genetic fingerprinting by comparing the variety of genetic fingerprints within a population.

Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.

How can genetic fingerprinting benefit plant and animal breeding?

Genetic fingerprinting can benefit plant and animal breeding by preventing inbreeding and identifying desirable genetic traits for breeding.

Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.

What does a match in genetic fingerprints indicate, and why?

A match in genetic fingerprints indicates a high probability that two DNA samples come from the same individual, or at least from identical twins.


This is because the probability of two individuals having the same VNTRs is very low.

Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.

How does the development stage differ when radioactive probes or fluorescent probes are used during hybridisation?

  1. If radioactive probes are used, X-ray images are taken of the paper or membrane
  2. If fluorescent probes are used, the paper or membrane is placed under UV light causing the fluorescent probes to glow

Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.