Okay soo i'm confused on DNA fingerprinting, i know what it is and everything but why do they call it DNA fingerprinting when a fingerprint is only a mark left by the person?
DNA fingerprinting is called so because it is a technique that can be used to uniquely identify and differentiate individuals based on their DNA profiles, just like how traditional fingerprints are used to identify and differentiate individuals based on their unique patterns.
While traditional fingerprints are physical ridges and valleys on the skin's surface left by the person, DNA fingerprinting refers to the unique pattern of DNA fragments obtained from an individual's genetic material. These patterns are specific to each individual, except for identical twins who have the same DNA.
The term "fingerprinting" is used metaphorically in DNA fingerprinting to highlight the idea of individuality and uniqueness. DNA sequences serve as the "marks" left by an individual's genetic code, which can be used for identification purposes, much like how traditional fingerprints are used in forensic investigations.
To perform DNA fingerprinting, scientists isolate the DNA from an individual's cells and then use a technique called gel electrophoresis to separate the DNA fragments based on their size. By analyzing the resulting pattern of DNA bands, scientists can create a unique DNA profile for an individual.
So, even though DNA fingerprinting does not involve actual fingerprints, the term "fingerprinting" is used to describe the process of identifying individuals based on their unique genetic patterns.