Genetic FingerprintingOn September 10th 1984, Alec Jeffreys, a scientist at Leicester University, was using DNA in an experiment to analyse the inheritance element in illness?

Genetic Fingerprinting On September 10th 1984, Alec Jeffreys, a scientist at Leicester University, was using DNA in an experiment to analyse the inheritance element in illness. DNA is the molecule that carries our genetic information. Looking at an X - ray showing the DNA profiles of his assistant and her parents, he suddenly realised that he had, completely by accident, discovered a revolutionary new method of biological identification. He called it “Genetic Fingerprinting”. The importance of the discovery was recognised immediately by both the UK police and immigration authorities. The technique is now used in forensic science to assist police detective work and to resolve paternity and immigration disputes. It has also helped convict thousands of murderers, rapists and burglars while freeing many innocent people already in prison. Genetic fingerprinting also has a promising future in the battle against disease. Scientists are storing genetic information of people in a “biobank”, in the world’s largest study of the role of nature and nurture in health and disease. Many of the worst illnesses, including heart disease, diabetes and Alzheimer’s, are caused by complex interactions between genes, lifestyle and environment. However, it does have a negative side. Many people are worried that the discovery could badly affect our civil liberties. Jeffreys fears possible abuses of the system. He wants a global DNA database but without any information on race, health or physical appearance. As the technique becomes more sophisticated, all this information and more will be available. 2. - In your own words and based on the ideas in the text, answer the following questions. Do not copy from the text. A) How does genetic fingerprinting help the police in their work? B) What are the possible consequences of the incorrect use of the new discovery? Prueba de Selectividad Madrid, Convocatoria Junio 2014 - 2015, Ingles.