DNA Profiling - GS questions based on daily current affairs

1)   Which of the following are concerns, limitations and lacunae of the DNA profiling Bill?

1) Misuse of Data
2) Racial and Communal profiling
3) Reliability of DNA is not 100%

a. 2, 3
b. 1, 3
c. 1, 2
d. All of the above
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: All of the above

Explanation:

  • There are many concerns and limitations in the bill. The concerns voiced are –
  • The DNA information bank is in violation of right to privacy;
  • there are chances of racial and communal profiling;
  • this will spur unnecessary testing;
  • there are chances of misuse of this data as there is no guarantee regarding safety of data and who all can access the data;
  • The DNA may not be reliable as there are DNA chimeras that have multiple genomes within them. Other times, DNA data recovered from a crime scene may not be enough to produce a correct match for the algorithms.
  • The bill introduces an intrusive mode of collecting samples from living persons called "intimate forensic procedure".
2)   What is DNA Profiling?

a. Determine a full genome sequence of an individual
b. Using DNA to find possible disorders within an individual
c. Creating artificial DNA
d. Identifying individuals using DNA testing
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Identifying individuals using DNA testing

Explanation:

  • DNA profiling (also called DNA fingerprinting, DNA testing, or DNA typing) is a forensic technique used to identify individuals by characteristics of their DNA.
  • A DNA profile is a small set of DNA variations that is very likely to be different in all unrelated individuals, thereby being as unique to individuals as are fingerprints (hence the alternate name for the technique).
  • DNA profiling should not be confused with full genome sequencing. First developed and used in 1985, DNA profiling is used in, for example, parentage testing and criminal investigation, to identify a person or to place a person at a crime scene, techniques which are now employed globally in forensic science to facilitate police detective work and help clarify paternity and immigration disputes.
  • It is a very sensitive technique which only needs a few skin cells, a hair root or a tiny amount of blood or saliva.

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