DNA fingerprinting was founded by –
**Question:** DNA fingerprinting was founded by -
A. Alexei Cherezov
B. Frederick G. Gelsinger
C. Alec Jeffreys
D. Paul Boyer and Bob Corey
**Core Concept:** DNA fingerprinting is a technique used in forensic science and genetics to analyze DNA samples and generate a unique pattern for identification purposes. This pattern is based on the variation in repetitive DNA sequences within an individual's genome.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right:** DNA fingerprinting is primarily associated with Alec Jeffreys, a British geneticist and biologist. He developed the technique of DNA fingerprinting in 1984, which involves the analysis of polymorphic DNA sequences to create a unique pattern for each individual. This method has been instrumental in criminal investigations and paternity testing.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**
A. Alexei Cherezov (1944-2018) was a Russian biophysicist and Nobel laureate, known for his work on bacterial chemotaxis and ion channels. He did not contribute to DNA fingerprinting.
B. Frederick G. Gelsinger (1948-2001) was an American virologist and a co-discoverer of the U3 RNA of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Although he made significant contributions to virology, he did not contribute to the development of DNA fingerprinting.
C. Paul Boyer (b. 1938) and Bob Corey (b. 1942) are American chemists who shared the 1997 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their discovery of the mechanism of protein synthesis. While their work is related to molecular biology, they did not contribute to DNA fingerprinting.
**Clinical Pearl:** DNA fingerprinting has revolutionized forensic science and paternity testing, enabling law enforcement agencies to link suspects to crimes and establish relationships between individuals based on their unique DNA profile. This technique has significantly improved the accuracy of genetic testing and contributed to the advancement of criminal justice and family law cases worldwide.
**Correct Answer:** C. Alec Jeffreys is the correct answer because he developed DNA fingerprinting in 1984, revolutionizing forensic science and genetics. This technique is based on the analysis of polymorphic DNA sequences to create a unique pattern for each individual, which has been instrumental in criminal investigations and paternity tests.