Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is the genetic building-block that all life-forms are built upon. With the advent of DNA testing, DNA has been used to identify, classify and diagnose. The practical applications of DNA testing is ever-growing and is used across a wide variety of scientific and non-scientific fields.
Paternity
DNA tests are commonly used to establish paternity in cases where a man denies or questions being the father. Less commonly, tests are given to women to establish maternity.
Criminal Investigations
DNA is used by police and other law enforcement agencies to match suspects to evidence and to identify victims.
Anthropology
In the field of anthropology, DNA testing is used to establish links between groups and civilizations, and to identify the time period a specimen may have come from.
Paleontology
DNA tests of bones and fossils confirm the legitimacy of artifacts, dates them and assists in classifying and naming species of dinosaur.
Archeology
Archeologists use DNA to date items such as manuscripts, pottery and even soil samples.
Diagnostics
DNA testing is an integral part of genetic therapy. A common use for DNA testing is to test parents or fetuses for genetic conditions or birth defects.
Tags: used establish