Arguing the benefits of contributing DNA - Essay Example

This procedure produces identical copies of the DNA sample. With the availability of these procedures, it is easier to identify individuals. Therefore, different states are appealing to the citizens to contribute DNA to bio banks to ensure availability of such samples for use when issues requiring identification arise (Butler 93). There is a lot of criticism surrounding this issue and lack of public knowledge on why contribution of DNA is necessary. Other individuals are bothered about the consequences that may arise because of the police having the DNA samples.

However, there is little understanding of how much easier cases of paternity, genetic disorders, and criminal investigations would be, if people were willing to contribute their DNA freely. Despite the ethical issues raised, all individuals should willingly contribute their DNA to bio banks to ease identification. According to Lotter, the chemical structure of DNA does not vary from one individual to another. However, the bases encoded in the chain appear in a unique arrangement in each individual.

Identical twins are the only individuals with identical DNA profiles. Members of the same family show very close similarity and this similarity is the basis of familial matching. There are unique, but rare cases in society whereby unrelated individuals display close similarity. If individuals are willing to contribute DNA, paternity cases will be very easy. Advances in genomics were able to relate DNA profiles of a child to those of the parents. Such advances show that half of a child’s DNA profile matches that of the mother while the other half matches that of the father.

This is the case because, during conception, two cells, one from each parent, fuse. Each of the two reproductive cells carries 23 chromosomes contrary to the 46 carried by normal body cells. Fusion of these two cells, results to 46 chromosomes in a cell. This cell, gives rise to the offspring on multiplication. In society, there are several cases concerning paternity. Some fathers deny their responsibility, claiming they are not the real fathers of children. Other people will impersonate the real fathers of children for their selfish gain.

DNA typing constantly provides reliable solutions to cases of this nature. According to Butler, if comparison of samples from the father and child reveal matches in DNA patterns, then this is proof of paternity (93). Several of children in society, previously denied the opportunity to know their real fathers, are benefiting from this technological advance. Such children are now entitled to rights and privileges from their parents that they previously did not enjoy. It is worthwhile for people to contribute DNA to ease the solving of paternity cases.

Adopted children have been able to identify their real parents, and they no longer live in the world of unanswered questions. Only in rare cases does DNA typing fail in paternity cases. As Butler argues, another critical application of DNA profiling is its use in criminology. There are traces of DNA on anything we handle (397-399). Police analyze all objects on the crime scene to obtain a DNA sample that on amplification is typed and therefore aids in investigations. Police should handle such objects with care, to minimize contamination of the samples, with DNA from their hands.

Suspected criminals must present DNA samples to the police. Police then compare their DNA profiles with the profile from the scene and if