DNA is a biological material that enables an individual to be identified against any other individual anywhere in the world. It is the most effective subject for determining whether two or more individuals are biologically related, and it is of vital importance in solving crime and determining paternity. But most people don't know a great deal about what DNA actually is, how it works and why it is the subject of so much research and so much development spending.

DNA, or Deoxyribonucleic acid, is a material found in us all, profiling what we're like and where we've come from. It's passed down to us from our parents, where we receive half of our DNA maternally and half our DNA paternally. The DNA itself contains the instruction or blueprint for life, and controls the function of the cells as well as being a perfect indicator of ancestry and biological relations.

DNA is made up of various nucleotides, and is essentially made up of amino acids, and it is matched with the so-called bases which provide the key to determining the genetic blueprint. DNA can be extracted from a range of sources, including samples of hair, cigarette butts, blood, razor clippings or saliva. Thus it is relatively easy to obtain samples, which can then be tested in a laboratory to determine any genetic relationships that may be present.

Where DNA Comes From

DNA is made up of one half of your mother's DNA and one half of your father's DNA, and will be 50% passed down to your children. It is this that ensures DNA is unique, and allows for accurate testing of parentage and direct descendance through a DNA paternity test.

Why Is DNA Important?

Biologically, DNA is essential to life. It's found in all humans and all other organisms, in every cell, and stores complex information about the way we are, inherited from our parents. What this means is that DNA is absolutely unique and individual, which is perfect for determining factual circumstances in a number of cases. Through testing DNA, relationships of parentage can be easily established as can siblingship and even more distant family relationships. It can also help establish where two specimens of DNA match, thus allowing identification of the same DNA profile to be made for legal reasons.

Whilst DNA is important biologically, it is also becoming an increasing factor in our everyday lives, with immigration processes, the police and the judicial system all relying on formal DNA testing as part of their fact-finding procedures. Whilst the results from DNA testing are not exactly conclusive of the facts, they do provide one of the best and most reliable guarantees of accurate, positive identification.

Where Can DNA Be Found?

DNA is present in every living thing, and it can even be found occasionally in some viruses. It is found within cellular material, more specifically within the nucleus where the chromosomes can be seen and subsequently analysed. DNA is located within each cell to give the opportunity to repair the body and grow, and it can be analysed to achieve a picture of the original source thanks to incredible advances in testing techniques and research.