Undoubtedly, one of the great discoveries of the 20th Century was the double-helix and the whole understanding of genes and chromosomes. At the start of the 21st Century we saw – and continue to see – a greater understanding of how genetics works and, increasingly, the function of specific genes.<\/p>\n
We are also hearing every day about new uses for genetic knowledge. Although research into genetically related disease is very topical, I am particularly interested in two other applications of genetics and the issues raised by their use …<\/p>\n
The first of the two genetic technologies to grab my interest was “genetic fingerprinting” [the other will wait for another day]. The idea is simple enough: just like we all have unique fingerprint patterns, everyone’s DNA is different. So, if you have a sample of DNA from a crime scene and you have a suspect, you can look for a DNA match, which would give evidence to say that, at least, they had been at the crime site.<\/p>\n
The comparison technique used is relatively simple. There is no attempt to match DNA material gene by gene. Instead the DNA is “profiled”, which entails locating a number of well-defined markers in the DNA which characterize it. This essentially yields a number which is unique to that DNA [at least, the chances of another, different DNA sample yielding the same number is astronomic]. So this process is applied to the sample gathered at the crime scene and to the suspect’s DNA. A match is bad news for the suspect.<\/p>\n
There is much debate about the retention of DNA profiles gathered from individuals, particularly if they are shown to be innocent. It seems that people feel that their privacy\/freedom is being infringed. I fail to see how this is the case. The DNA profile is just a number and, despite many fantastical press reports, cannot be used for any purpose other than matching a sample. I would be very willing to have the authorities keep my profile on file. That way, if a crime is committed and I am even slightly suspected, I can be eliminated without even being troubled by a phone call. As I have no plans to commit any crimes, what have I got to lose?<\/p>\n
This could also be applied to immigration. Instead of taking my fingerprints [sometimes] when I enter the US [which I find slightly degrading for some reason], I think that I would find being asked to provide some DNA a bit more satisfying: “Welcome to the United States Mr. Walls. Sorry for the interminable wait in the immigration line after your 11 hour flight. Would you care to spit here please …”<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
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