Skip to main content

DNA Fingerprinting/DNA Profiling

  • Reference work entry

DNA fingerprinting is a term coined by Sir Alec Jeffreys describing the multi-locus probes results obtained in 1985 (i.e., bar code type output). The analogy with fingerprint should be avoided, and the term DNA profiling suggested by Evett & Buckleton preferred. Indeed, the term profile indicates that this type of analysis does not allow characterizing a person’s DNA, but only given parts called markers. An explicit mention of the markers and the technique used should always accompany a given DNA profile.

Forensic DNA Evidence

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.

Buying options

Chapter
USD   29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD   449.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Learn about institutional subscriptions

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2009 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC

About this entry

Cite this entry

(2009). DNA Fingerprinting/DNA Profiling. In: Li, S.Z., Jain, A. (eds) Encyclopedia of Biometrics. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-73003-5_351

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics