Which of the Following Statements Regarding DNA Fingerprinting is True

Question

Which of the following statements regarding DNA fingerprinting is true
A) DNA fingerprinting has the drawback that it requires extremely large quantities of DNA for analysis.
B) Inbreeding within a population decreases the probability of finding identical fingerprints between individuals.
C) An advantage of the technique is that data obtained from one population can easily be extrapolated to another population.
D) DNA fingerprinting is applicable in all cases of questionable identity except in paternity cases.
E) A prerequisite of the technique is the availability of information about the frequency of the polymorphisms in the population.

Accepted Answer

DNA fingerprinting relies on the detection of polymorphisms, or genetic variations, in an individual's DNA. In order to determine whether two samples of DNA come from the same individual or from different individuals, scientists need to know the frequency of these polymorphisms in the population. This allows them to calculate the probability that two unrelated individuals will have the same DNA profile. Therefore, the availability of information about the frequency of polymorphisms is a prerequisite for DNA fingerprinting. The other answer choices are incorrect: A) DNA fingerprinting requires only small amounts of DNA for analysis; B) Inbreeding increases the probability of finding identical fingerprints between individuals, not decreases it; C) Data obtained from one population may not be applicable to another population, as the frequency of polymorphisms can vary between populations; D) DNA fingerprinting is commonly used in paternity cases.