Understanding human genome will have an enormous impact on ability to assess risks posed to individuals by exposure to toxic agents. Scientists know that genetic differences make some people more susceptible and others more resistant to such agents. Human Genome Project technologies also can help to assess health damage and risks caused by radiation exposure, including low-dose exposures. Furthermore, damage and risks caused by exposure to mutagenic chemicals and cancer-causing toxins also can be assessed. Consequently, likelihood of heritable mutations can be reduced.

Other benefits gained from human genome project towards improvement of human life include:

identify potential suspects whose DNA may match evidence left at crime scenes establish paternity and other family relationships detect bacteria and other organisms that may pollute air, water, soil, and food match organ donors with recipients in transplant programs determine pedigree for seed or livestock breeds understanding disease vulnerabilities and revealing drug targets environmental monitoring to detect pollutants protection from biological and chemical warfare

( www.medical-explorer.com )

The DNA needs to be isolated and cut so that it can be matched against other samples. Special enzymes recognize patterns in DNA and cut strand

In a process called electrophoresis, strands are then placed on a gel where they are separated an electric current passed through it.

DNA profiling is mostly used in sexual offences (60%), homicide (20%), assaults (7%), robbery (7%), criminal damage (1%), and other cases (5%).

DNA profiling narrows list of suspects that authorities need to work through. The FBI commented that DNA profiling allows them to dismiss one-third of rape suspects because DNA samples do not match. Authorities recognize possibility of specimens being planted at crime scenes, and therefore continue to investigate crime based on motive, weapon, testimony, and other clues in order to more accurately solve case.

Tom LeBaron is a marketing representative of DNA Bioscience and Sorenson Genomics. Receive your own free home paternity testing kit, or learn more about DNA profiling.