Genealogical DNA test
As DNA analysis and DNA testing, DNA analysis, DNA testing, genetic testing or genetic testing, molecular biological methods are called, which examine the DNA ( German abbreviation DNS) in order to draw conclusions about various genetic aspects of the individual can.
DNA analysis is carried out for a variety of purposes, especially to the following:
- For criminal purposes: one examines the crime scene to find traces of DNA from individual living entities (eg from the perpetrator ). In this context, one often speaks of the " genetic fingerprint".
- Clarification of relationship issues such as paternity tests.
- Medical diagnostic applications (for example, human DNA ), such as genetic basis of a pre-existing disease enlighten (medical research ),
- Investigate predispositions to disease. The Professional Association of German human geneticists eV ( BVDH ) maintains a list of genetic diseases that can be currently being investigated by DNA analysis in the German-speaking world in dedicated facilities. In May of 2010, the number of diagnosable diseases was 917, compared to slightly more than 3,000 monogenic hereditary diseases worldwide are molecularly characterized, would thus theoretically also by DNA analysis examinable.
- Detection of genetically modified varieties, which are subject to a ban.
- Quality of food ( example: truffle ).
- Population genetics: heredity processes within biological populations,
- Genetics: human haplogroups, Most recent common ancestor, together with the fields of anthropology and archeology. By means of DNA analysis could be reconstructed with human remains from the Lichtenstein cave the first time worldwide a 3,000 year old system of kinship.
- Genetic genealogy or genealogical DNA testing
- Investigation of the genetic material on genetic diseases and other investments
Methods
Methods for the study of diseases
- Chromosomal mapping ( karyotype, linkage analysis, pedigree analysis)
- DNA sequencing
Methods for determining the identity
- Genetic fingerprinting methods (fragment length analysis)
- RFLP analysis ( Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism )
- AFLP analysis ( amplified fragment length )
- STRs ( short tandem repeats )
- SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms)
Determination of sample old age
- ADNA research ( ancient DNA)
Criticism
The predictive value of genetic testing and the possibility of their meaningful application in the health care is disputed by many scientists. Among other things: Peter Kraft (Harvard University), David S. Goldstein and David Altshuler. Is criticized in addition to a dirty, trimmed on success stories, statistical analysis of the results of the general relationship between " disease genes " and the specific symptoms, as well as the diagnosed diseases. So postulated by researchers and companies dependencies in reality would be much lower or, many diseases are significantly more influenced by external factors and lifestyle, as by the genes. Similar criticism can be found at vendors, which specialize in DNA testing for Genetic Genealogy. It is often also commented that genetic testing provider for private clients thereof, and not enough attention to the risks associated with returning of DNA samples, storage, analysis and storage by publishing of information. Commercial providers are not obliged to follow the ethical principles in scientific DNA studies, and do not in most cases also. The following risks are listed:
- Through DNA analysis, it is possible to detect genetic defects or dispositions and the probability of it emerging diseases.
- Depending on the analyzed DNA, these conclusions can be extended to relatives.
- An insurer may use the information to assessments for the determination of a contribution ratio, or the person to be insured must be personally known analytical results to announce.
- Available information for DNA markers of a subject can be used at crime scenes with DNA evidence, the test person or his relatives as perpetrators to suspect (even if this is not legally allowed everywhere). The identifiability of increasingly smaller DNA evidence also leads to errors (see Heilbronner phantom ).
- Once published data on the Internet are virtually erase little more ( as it is not ascertained, everything has already created a copy).
- The personal DNA information, which lie at the test company can, stolen, will be published or sold.
Critics also warned not yet known risks today as it comes through the falling cost of DNA sequencing to wider use of DNA analysis. This leads to a discussion about whether we need legislation that do not exist today, almost.