Which tool analyzes an individual's unique collection of DNA restriction fragments?

Which tool analyzes an individual's unique collection of DNA restriction fragments?

• A. DNA fingerprinting
• B. Gene therapy
• C. Electrocardiogram
• D. Plasmid analysis

Answer: (A)

The correct answer relates to DNA fingerprinting, a technique that analyzes an individual's unique collection of DNA restriction fragments. This process involves cutting DNA into smaller pieces using specific enzymes known as restriction enzymes. The resulting fragments vary in size depending on the genetic makeup of the individual. When the fragments are separated through a process such as gel electrophoresis, they create a distinct pattern of bands that can be visualized. This pattern is unique to each individual, much like a fingerprint, making DNA fingerprinting a powerful tool for identification in forensic science, paternity testing, and genetic relationship analysis. In contrast, gene therapy primarily involves the introduction or alteration of genes within an individual's cells to treat or prevent disease rather than analyzing DNA fragments. An electrocardiogram measures the electrical activity of the heart, which is unrelated to DNA analysis. Plasmid analysis focuses on the study of plasmids, small DNA molecules within cells, but does not typically involve analyzing unique DNA restriction fragments from an individual’s genomic DNA in the same context as DNA fingerprinting.

The correct answer relates to DNA fingerprinting, a technique that analyzes an individual's unique collection of DNA restriction fragments. This process involves cutting DNA into smaller pieces using specific enzymes known as restriction enzymes. The resulting fragments vary in size depending on the genetic makeup of the individual.

When the fragments are separated through a process such as gel electrophoresis, they create a distinct pattern of bands that can be visualized. This pattern is unique to each individual, much like a fingerprint, making DNA fingerprinting a powerful tool for identification in forensic science, paternity testing, and genetic relationship analysis.

In contrast, gene therapy primarily involves the introduction or alteration of genes within an individual's cells to treat or prevent disease rather than analyzing DNA fragments. An electrocardiogram measures the electrical activity of the heart, which is unrelated to DNA analysis. Plasmid analysis focuses on the study of plasmids, small DNA molecules within cells, but does not typically involve analyzing unique DNA restriction fragments from an individual’s genomic DNA in the same context as DNA fingerprinting.