Question

The Human Genome Project has demonstrated that in humans of all races and nationalities approximately 99.9 percent of the sequence is the same, yet different individuals can be identified by DNA fingerprinting techniques. What is one primary variation in the human genome that can be used to distinguish different individuals? Briefly explain your answer.

Short answer

Answer: A primary variation in the human genome that can be used to distinguish different individuals is the presence of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs). SNPs are places in the DNA sequence where a single nucleotide (A, C, G, or T) is different between individuals. By analyzing specific regions of DNA containing a high number of SNPs, scientists can create a unique genetic profile or "fingerprint" for an individual, which can be used in forensic science or other identification processes.

Step-by-step solution

Identifying individual variations

One primary variation in the human genome that can be used to distinguish different individuals is the presence of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs).

Explaining Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs)

Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms, commonly known as SNPs, are places in the DNA sequence where a single nucleotide (A, C, G, or T) is different between individuals. These single base changes occur roughly every 300 nucleotides, and they are inherited from one generation to the next. Although many SNPs have no significant effect on a person's health, some SNPs can affect gene function, and they can serve as markers to track the inheritance of gene variants associated with specific traits or diseases.

Using SNPs for DNA Fingerprinting

By analyzing specific regions of DNA containing a high number of SNPs, scientists can create a unique genetic profile or "fingerprint" for an individual. In forensic science, this approach is commonly used to match a suspect's DNA to a crime scene sample or to identify a person in the case of mass disaster, paternity testing, or missing persons investigations.