DNA: an Overview

Abstract

Forensic DNA profiling has gone through several transformations since its initial conception, to become the flexible and powerful technique that is used world wide. By exonerating the innocent, implicating the guilty, identifying the deceased, and resolving paternity disputes, DNA profiling has forced its way to the forefront of public consciousness to become an almost ubiquitous part of criminal and civil investigations where the identity of key players is of importance. This article charts the history of DNA profiling, from the “Eureka” moment of Prof Sir Alec Jefferies to contemporary technologies before introducing the key laboratory techniques required to process biological samples from DNA extraction to profile production and interpretation.