The duplication of the cells in the DNA is performed by an enzyme called polymerase, creating a copy of the original DNA from the nucleotides. Polymerase also corrects errors in the formation of the nucleotides. This replication of DNAs is what is passed down generations making people of the same ancestral lineage have similar genetic makeup. Through DNA testing, many people have been able to answer questions on:
Paternity
This DNA test is aimed at determining a child's paternity. Samples of both the child and the alleged biological father are taken. This can be necessary for the sake of ascertaining paternity just to be sure and at peace or for legal issues.
Health
DNA testing helps to reveal the genetic diseases that you are predisposed to. By knowing your health risks, you will be able to seek knowledge on how you can avoid the diseases, and how to deal with them in case they actually occur. This can also be done on a fetus to establish the probabilities of the unborn baby developing certain diseases.
Investigations
By having DNA profiles, the police are able to match the DNAs of suspected offenders to the samples of crimes that are yet to be resolved. This is especially done for habitual offenders.
Missing Relatives
Lost relatives and unknown relatives are reunited through DNA results. Siblings who could have been separated at birth or due to other reasons are able to trace each other. Adopted persons can be able to know their biological parents in order to know their genetic heritage. Some have used DNA testing to establish how closely related they are to a particular person.
Family Tree
A DNA test can determine your ancestral origin dating back many years. This can help in knowing your genetic ancestors which you would not have been able to know through no research and enquiries.
DNA testing is a technology that is fast evolving and gaining popularity the world over. This might be due to its accessibility and the pricing that has been relatively low. The DNA kit is available at most pharmacies and online outlets. The procedure of using the DNA kit is also very simple. It involves:
• Buying the DNA test kit
• Taking the recommended sample. The sample could either be a cheek swab or saliva. The tools in the kit will determine what nature of sample is required.
• Registering of the sample. Using the barcode included in the DNA kit, you will be able to register the specific sample, discreetly, on the website of the company that owns the kit.
• Mailing the sample to the company using the addressed tamper proof envelope included in the test kit.
• Getting the online results. Paternity results are available after a few days unlike the health risk analysis one and the ancestry DNA test.
• Seeking detailed analysis and lifestyle advice from a doctor in the case of a DNA test related to your health.
• Getting counseling where necessary. Some revelations concerning health and of parentage may require some expert advice in order to cope with the unexpected outcome.
For a simply extracted cheek swab or saliva sample to determine such big results, the curious question of how that happens always arises. During the few days or weeks that you'll be anxiously waiting for your results, this is what will be going on in the DNA testing process.
• Upon receiving your sample, the company certifies that the tamper proof packaging that contains the sample is still intact.
• The sample is then divided into two for testing by separate teams of scientists. They perform the testing process independently.
• DNA is extracted from the saliva or the cheek swab then purified
• A special chemical is added to the extracted DNA to create the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).
• The result of the PCR is analyzed to create an individualized identity profile of the sample owner that can be equated to a fingerprint.
• In the case of paternity testing, the DNA of the child is analyzed alongside that of the alleged father. A statistical analysis is then done to establish the likelihood of paternity. If the probability is at 0%, it automatically means that the alleged father is not the biological one. With an above 95.5% probability, the alleged father is considered the biological father.
• For a health DNA test, an analysis is made detailing the diseases you are susceptible to. For in-depth analysis on this, extra cost is incurred.
The DNA tests can provide as much information as what you are ready to pay for. With the kind of information that the DNA holds, it’s possible to find out a lot of information that will make you understand yourself better.
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