Chapter 15, Problem 5STP

Summary Introduction

Introduction:

DNA fingerprinting involves separating DNA fragments using gel electrophoresis to observe the banding patterns unique to each person. This technique is used by forensic experts to identify suspects and victims in criminal cases.

Answer to Problem 5STP

Correct answer :

The correct answer is option D. uniqueness of each person’s pattern of noncoding DNA

Explanation of Solution

Explanation/justification for the correct answer:

Option D. uniqueness of each person’s pattern of noncoding DNA − After sequencing the entire human genome, the scientists found that less than two percent of all the nucleotides in the human genome code for all the proteins in the body. Hence there are long stretches of DNA that have no direct function. These regions are called noncoding sequences.

The noncoding regions of DNA are unique to each individual. When these regions are cut by restriction enzymes, the set of DNA fragments produced are unique to each individual.

Hence this is the correct option.

Explanation for incorrect answer:

Option A. location of genes for related traits on different chromosomes− This provision is not required for the process of DNA fingerprinting. The noncoding regions of DNA must be unique to each individual for the process of DNA fingerprinting. Hence, this is not the correct option.

Option B. organization of human DNA into 46 chromosomes- This provision is not required for the process of DNA fingerprinting. The noncoding regions of DNA must be unique to each individual for the process of DNA fingerprinting. Hence, this is not the correct option.

Option C. provision by DNA of the codes for proteins in the body− This provision is not required for the process of DNA fingerprinting. The noncoding regions of DNA must be unique to each individual for the process of DNA fingerprinting. Hence this is not the correct option.