Serious Problems with DNA Fingerprinting Is there any physical evidence so foolproof that it can be used to prove or disprove someone's case in a trial? Many people believe that the answer to this question is DNA. In theory, this argument is true, but many believe that certain factors can lead to inconsistent data collected from DNA. There are many differing opinions on how DNA should be used, or if it should be used at all. Many people are uninformed about what DNA actually is or how it is used in criminal trials. DNA is the generic term for deoxyribonucleic acid. It is a molecule present throughout the body that determines all hereditary characteristics (Forensic Testing Division, 1998). Someone receives half of their genetic makeup from each biological parent, making each person's genetic makeup unique, with the exception of identical twins. Since each individual's genetic make-up is completely different from that of another, it is believed that DNA can be used to prove exactly who was at the crime scene and who was not. The process of determining whose DNA was collected at a crime scene is known as DNA fingerprinting. In reality, only 2% of DNA are genes; the rest is called “junk DNA” whose biological purpose is unknown (Verrengia, 1997). Junk DNA is what is mostly used in DNA fingerprinting. DNA can be found in many different substances including hair, saliva, blood, and other fluids or tissues. The junk DNA found in these substances is tested in several ways, including restriction fragment length polymorphism and polymerase chain reaction. These tests are usually referred to as RFLP and PCR tests, respectively. In these tests, DNA is exposed to enzymes that cause t-strands...... center of paper ......ensic/index.htm, December 1, 1998. Hunter, M. (1998). Let the children rest in the woods. [CD-ROM, InfoTrac].Johnson Publishing Company Inc. (1996). Four Chicago men wrongfully imprisoned for 18 years released; movie deal in the works. [CD-ROM, InfoTrac].Lampton, C. (1991). DNA fingerprinting. New York: Franklin Watts. Messina, Lawrence. Six have paid 40 years because of Zain. [Online] Available http://www.wvgazette.com/zain/ZAIN47A.html, December 3, 1998.UPI Colorado Second News Briefs. [Online] Available http://library.northernlight.com/c...d=FB19981204700000029&cb=0&dx+1006, December 4, 1998. Verrengia, J.B. (1997, February 2), Much Detective Work Conducted in JonBenet Murder Case Ramsey under a laboratory microscope. The Rocky Mountain News, pp. 16A-17A.Williams, M.A. (1989, December). Conviction by chromosome. [CD-ROM, SIRS] pp.26-32.