Final answer:
DNA fingerprinting was developed by Sir Alec Jeffreys in 1984, and it allows the identification of individuals by their unique DNA patterns. Individual evidence includes materials like blood which can be directly linked to an individual, while trace evidence is composed of small DNA-carrying elements such as hair or skin cells. DNA probes are single-stranded DNA fragments used to identify specific DNA sequences within a sample.
Step-by-step explanation:
Who Developed DNA Fingerprinting?
Sir Alec Jeffreys, a British geneticist, developed DNA fingerprinting in 1984, which revolutionized forensic science. Through this method, individuals can be identified by examining the unique patterns within their DNA, which differ from one person to another.
Individual Evidence and Trace Evidence in DNA
Individual evidence in DNA refers to the biologically sourced material that can be directly linked to a specific individual, like blood or saliva. Trace evidence, however, refers to small quantities of material like skin cells or hair that may also carry DNA but are not as direct as individual evidence.
The Use of a DNA Probe
A DNA probe consists of a single-stranded DNA fragment, labeled with a molecular tag, that is complementary to part of a gene or sequence of interest. These probes are crucial for identifying specific DNA sequences.
Gel electrophoresis is followed by a Southern blot to transfer and immobilize the DNA fragments from the gel onto a membrane, which can then hybridize with DNA probes for visualization and analysis, unveiling the composition of the DNA sample.