What is DNA fingerprinting?

DNA fingerprinting is a method used to identify an individual from a sample DNA by looking at unique patters in their DNA.

DNA fingerprinting (also called DNA profiling, DNA testing, or DNA typing) is the process of determining an individual's DNA characteristics, called a DNA profile, that is very likely to be different in unrelated individuals, thereby being as unique to individuals as are fingerprints (hence the alternative name for the technique). DNA profiling should not be confused with full genome sequencing. DNA profiling is most commonly used as a forensic technique in criminal investigations to identify an unidentified person or whose identity needs to be confirmed, or to place a person at a crime scene or to eliminate a person from consideration. DNA profiling has also been used to help clarify paternity, in immigration disputes, in parentage testing and in genealogical research or medical research. DNA fingerprinting has also been used in the study of animal and floral populations and in the fields of zoology, botany, and agriculture.