How Does DNA Fingerprinting Work

DNA fingerprinting (also called DNA profiling) is a method that laboratory specialists use to establish the identity of a plant, animal or some other object. Fingerprinting is done by a process called electrophoresis; the specialist then compares banding patterns of DNA fragments with what they're trying to identify. That must have sounded a little confunsing.

Let me give you an example:

An example would be when an archeologist uncovers a very old bone in the ground. He doesn't know if the bone is human or some other type of animal. So he takes it to the lab, does the electrophoresis (this is explained more in detail under dna fingerprinting process to the menu on the left hand side of this page). After the electrophoresis he has an idea of what the bone DNA looks like, and then compares it with a copy of human DNA that he already has prepared. Does it look like the human's genetic code, or something else?

Oh yes, I wanted to share this really fun song with you from two guys who where trying to complete their biology project. It's really helpful when you're trying to learn the process of DNA replication. Enjoy! Here's the video: