Forensic DNA Typing

The beginning of the forensic DNA typing revolution was marked by the 1985 publication of a landmark article by Sir AlecJeffreys of Leicester, England, in which he coined the term “DNA fingerprint” and suggested the potential application of DNA fingerprinting in forensic investigations.1,2 Using restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis and DNA probes complementary to polymorphic regions of the genome called “minisatellites,” he described how bar code-like patterns were produced. The autoradiographic patterns seemed to be different in every person tested; hence the term “DNA fingerprint” likened this molecular typing to an individual’s unique digital fingerprint. In the same year, Jeffreys applied his revolutionary technique to resolve a paternity dispute and to help solve a double rape-homicide in England.