DNA

DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is a double helix (spiral string of material) that contains the genetic codes for the biological development of cells. Also referred to as molecules of heredity, DNA is responsible for inherited genetic traits. DNA is inherited from both parents.

Overview of DNA

DNA is a pair of molecules that are bonded together by hydrogen and are organized as two separate strands. DNA is a chemical building block consisting of four types:

• Adenine (A)


• Cytosine (C)


• Guanine (G)


• Thymine (T).

These chemicals pair up in different combinations to produce the genetic codes of DNA. These DNA strands contain genes or blueprints which provide all of our inherited traits. Mutations are changes that occur when the DNA attempts to repair chemical defects, and can also occur from external damage, such as light, or genetic manipulation.

History of DNA Research

While its existence was known in the mid 19th Century, James Watson and Francis Crick publicized DNA in 1953 and in 1962, along with Maurice Wilkins, won the Nobel Peace Prize for their work on its structure, which laid the foundation for current uses and on-going genetic research.

Uses for DNA Information

DNA is heavily used in forensics to solve crimes through the use of genetic fingerprinting. Scientists take bits of evidence left at crime scenes, such as skin, hair, or blood and use these samples to determine suspects. The process was developed in 1984 and is quite involved as repeated testing is necessary. However, when applied properly is one of the most effective ways to determine guilt or innocence. DNA databases consisting of samples from convicted felons are now being used by many law enforcement agencies. DNA testing has also helped solve unsolved crime cases, using DNA testing to reintroduce evidence in re-opened cases. Some of the major uses for forensic identification include:

• Identifying suspects and victims


• Exonerating suspects


• Establishing paternity and other familial relationships


• Identifying endangered and protected species


• Identifying bacteria as related to pollution issues


• Matching donors with recipients as related to organ transplant issues


• Determining livestock or seed lineage or types


• Verifying the authenticity of edible products – wine, caviar, etc.

DNA models are also used in computer science, and to solve biological science research issues with mathematical formulas, stimulating research and providing methods of computation in and of itself.

The Human Genome Project

The Human Genome Project, a thirteen year research project was finished in 2003. Its goals were to identify all the human genes and determine all the sequences of DNA, to store and analyze the data, apply it to technology, and to deal with the ethical and social issues surrounding such research.

Ethical Issues and Benefits

The primary concerns of forensic storing of DNA issues relates to privacy and civil rights issues. Storing millions of DNA samples can also be cumbersome and costly. However, the benefits of DNA include exonerating innocent people and potentially avoiding trials and wrongful incarcerations. Ethical and social issues surrounding DNA relate to tampering with Mother Nature, the proverbial Pandora's Box, and various religious, moral and philosophical questions.

By Eve Visconti