Molecular Basis of Inheritance Question 162
162. The basis for DNA fingerprinting is [1996]
(a) occurrence of restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP)
(b) phenotypic differences between individuals
(c) availability of cloned DNA
(d) knowledge of human karyotype
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Answer : a
Hints & Solution
(a) DNA fingerprinting is a technique to identify a person on the basis of his DNA which is specific for every individual. This technique for the first time was developed by Alec Jeffreys and his colleagues at Leicester University in U.K. DNA of an individual carries specific sequences of nucleotides which are repeated many times throughout the length of DNA. This reveals polymorphism in DNA. These are inherited. Each individual inherits these repeats from his/her parents which are used as genetic markers in personal identity test.
