Discovery, development, and current applications of DNA identity testing

Rana Saad, PhD

Genetic identity testing involves identifying the patterns of genetic material that are unique to almost every individual. Although over 99% of the DNA sequences in the human genome are identical between individuals, a small number of sequence differences are used to distinguish all humans. Those different sequences are usually targeted for identity testing. This article discusses the discovery of the DNA fingerprint, the first legal cases in which DNA was used, and clinical applications of identity testing.