DNAanalüüsi

DNAanalüüsi, often translated as DNA analysis or DNA testing, refers to a range of laboratory techniques used to determine the unique genetic makeup of an individual. This analysis is based on the principle that DNA, the molecule that carries genetic information, has a specific sequence of nucleotides that is largely identical among all humans but contains variations that make each person distinct.

The most common method for DNA analysis involves examining specific regions of DNA called short tandem repeats (STRs). These are segments of DNA that repeat a variable number of times in different individuals. By analyzing the number of repeats at several different STR loci, a unique genetic profile, or DNA fingerprint, can be created. This profile is highly specific and can be used for identification purposes.

DNA analysis has a wide range of applications. In forensics, it is crucial for identifying suspects, exonerating the innocent, and linking crime scenes to individuals. In paternity testing, it can definitively establish biological relationships between a child and potential father. It is also used in genealogy to trace ancestral lines and connect with relatives. Furthermore, advances in DNA analysis have led to applications in medical diagnostics, allowing for the identification of genetic predispositions to certain diseases and informing personalized treatment strategies. The process typically involves collecting a biological sample, such as blood, saliva, or hair, extracting the DNA, amplifying specific DNA regions using techniques like PCR, and then separating and analyzing the amplified DNA fragments.