Question

Reviewing DNA Fingerprinting
Indicate whether the following statements about DNA fingerprinting are true or false.


DNA fingerprinting compares mitochondrial DNA samples.

DNA fingerprinting compares X chromosomes.

DNA fingerprinting decreases the necessary sample size.

DNA fingerprinting increases the amount of evidence.

DNA fingerprinting compares Y chromosomes.

Answer 1

1. DNA fingerprinting compares mitochondrial DNA samples. — False. Standard DNA profiling uses nuclear (autosomal) STR markers; mtDNA testing is used only in special cases (degraded samples, maternal-lineage comparisons).

2. DNA fingerprinting compares X chromosomes. — False. Routine profiling targets autosomal loci; X‑STR analysis is used only in particular kinship/forensic situations.

3. DNA fingerprinting decreases the necessary sample size. — True. PCR-based STR profiling can generate profiles from much smaller and more degraded samples than older methods.

4. DNA fingerprinting increases the amount of evidence. — True. DNA profiling yields highly discriminating genetic information, giving stronger and more informative evidence for identification and kinship.

5. DNA fingerprinting compares Y chromosomes. — False. Routine profiles use autosomal markers; Y‑chromosome (Y‑STR) testing is available for male-line or mixture cases but is not the default.