Positive and negative sides of using DNA profiling

Utopia or Dystopia
DNA PROFILING
What is this?
DNA profiling (also called DNA testing, DNA typing, or genetic fingerprinting) is a technique that is used to assist in the identification of individuals by their respective DNA profiles. DNA profiles are encrypted sets of letters that reflect a person 's DNA makeup, which can also be used as the person 's identifier. DNA profiling should not be confused with full genome sequencing. DNA profiling is used in, for example, parental testing and criminal investigation.
How does it work?
Although 99.9% of human DNA sequences are the same in every person, enough of the DNA is different that it is possible to distinguish one individual from another, unless they are monozygotic twins. DNA profiling uses repetitive sequences that are highly variable, called variable number tandem repeats (VNTRs), in particular short tandem repeats (STRs). VNTR loci are very similar between closely related humans, but are so variable that unrelated individuals are extremely unlikely to have the same VNTRs. Process 1) Sample of DNA obtained
2) Repetitive sequences of DNA used for profiling
3) produce more copies of DNA by polymerase chain reaction
4) cutting DNA into fragments using restriction enzymes (which are like chemical scissors)
5) separation into bands of DNA by electrophoresis
6) different pattern of bands with DNA from different individuals - If bands are identical, the DNA came from the same person
- If they are similar, people are related On the picture below, we can clearly see some similarities between child and Larry, so Larry, not Bob, is the father

Utopia Criminal investigations. Sometimes criminals leave something on the crime scene. It might be anything - saliva, semen, blood or any other fluid. If police can find and collect those, they can work out who committed the crime.
Paternity tests. If a person is not sure, if it is his child, the paternity test can be done. It clearly shows whether two people are related to each other or not. Perhaps it isn’t that important for the society as identifying the criminals, but it can play a large role in lives of individuals.
Entering or leaving country. DNA checks can help making sure that all those, who cross the country borders, are who they claim to be. Falsification of the passport is hard, but still possible, but DNA profiling leaves no chance for that.
Forensic sciences. DNA profiling is actively used in forensic sciences mainly to establish whose corpse they are looking at from the remaining tissues on corpses (if there are any) Dystopia Similar DNA in small communities. In small, closed communities all members are closely related and sometimes so closely that it’s hard to tell them apart. Data corrupted. What if someone will hack into data storage and secretly swap DNA of two people so that when police collects DNA from crime scene will think it was someone else’s? Because DNA fingerprints are often over-relied and other (sometimes trustworthy) sources of data may be ignored People with two sets of DNA. People who had blood transplant in less than 3 months ago will have 2 sets of DNA which also might result in accusation of an innocent person Data misused by unauthorised groups. Data may be used by unauthorised groups for personal benefit or to harm the owner of DNA or other people Fake DNA planted on crime scenes. It is not that hard to make artificially generated DNA, which can be deliberately planted at crime scenes in-order to implicate innocent people. Again, the DNA profiling data is often over-relied. Consequently, it becomes very easy to manipulate a crime scene and conveniently make the police search in all directions but the right one. References Fiona Macrae. (2009). DNA evidence can be fabricated and planted at crime scenes. Available: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1207389/DNA-evidence-fabricated-planted-crime-scenes-scientists-warn.html. Last accessed 2nd September 2014. Shanna Freeman. (2008). How DNA Profiling Works. Available: http://science.howstuffworks.com/dna-profiling.htm. Last accessed 2nd of September 2014. William Harris. (2009). How DNA Evidence works. Available: http://science.howstuffworks.com/life/genetic/dna-evidence8.htm. Last accessed 4th September 2014.

References: Fiona Macrae. (2009). DNA evidence can be fabricated and planted at crime scenes. Available: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1207389/DNA-evidence-fabricated-planted-crime-scenes-scientists-warn.html. Last accessed 2nd September 2014. Shanna Freeman. (2008). How DNA Profiling Works. Available: http://science.howstuffworks.com/dna-profiling.htm. Last accessed 2nd of September 2014. William Harris. (2009). How DNA Evidence works. Available: http://science.howstuffworks.com/life/genetic/dna-evidence8.htm. Last accessed 4th September 2014.