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The Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD) in Hyderabad provides DNA-based investigative services to police, judiciary, and hospitals.
Recently, it helped a family involved in an organ transplant case, where DNA testing revealed unexpected family relationships.
The DNA profiles showed that the father was not the biological father of the patient, but likely a close relative, possibly the patient’s uncle, revealing a practice of levirate marriage.
DNA & DNA Profiles
DNA consists of long molecules made up of sequences of four chemical bases: adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G), and thymine (T).
These bases pair in specific combinations: A with T, and C with G.
Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes.
At certain locations on these chromosomes, short DNA sequences are repeated. These are called Simple Tandem Repeats (STRs).
This allows the determination of the number of repeats at various loci.
By comparing the number of repeats in a person’s DNA at multiple loci, a unique genetic profile can be established, which can be used for purposes like paternity testing or identifying familial relationships.
Levirate Marriages and Genetic Inheritance
Every person inherits half their DNA from each parent.
In a traditional family, a child’s DNA will show a combination of maternal and paternal DNA.
In levirate marriages, a child’s biological father is not always the man they call father.
This can lead to confusion if DNA testing reveals a mismatch between the assumed biological parent and the genetic evidence.
In some cultures, traditional notions of inheritance go beyond biological relationships.
Family structures may prioritize the role of a father or son for cultural or religious reasons, irrespective of biological connections.
Ethical Implications of DNA Testing
DNA profiling, while useful for legal and medical purposes, it can also disclose unexpected family secrets, challenging cultural privacy.
Modern DNA analysis emphasizes biological inheritance, but traditional societies may view inheritance in terms of family roles and responsibilities, creating potential conflicts.
As DNA testing becomes more widespread, there are growing concerns about how genetic information is stored, shared, and used, highlighting the need for stronger laws to protect genetic privacy.
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