What are the differences between DNA profiling and DNA sequencing?

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Accepted Answer

DNA profiling and DNA sequencing are two key molecular biological techniques. Both have vast applications in several fields including biotechnology, forensic science, virology, medical diagnosis, and biosystematics. Although the applications overlap, DNA profiling and DNA sequencing are two completely different techniques.

Basis of comparison
DNA Profiling
DNA Sequencing

Definition
Is the analysis of unique patterns of DNA sequences in the genome
Is a method used to determine the nucleotide sequences of a DNA fragment

Objective
To determine the genetic makeup of an individual
To determine the genome and proteins that an individual encodes

Focused elements
Focuses on STR patterns of a particular locus
Focuses on the nucleotide sequence of a DNA fragment

Purpose of PCR
PCR is responsible for amplifying STR regions through sequence-specific priming

PCR is responsible for incorporating labeled dideoxynucleotides to the amplicons

Type of technique
Forensic technique
Molecular biology technique

Applications
Used for DNA profiling to identify individuals in forensic studies and for parentage testing
Used for determining nucleotide base sequence, studying genomes and proteomes, medical diagnosis, and identification of new alleles

Basis of comparison	DNA Profiling	DNA Sequencing
Definition	Is the analysis of unique patterns of DNA sequences in the genome	Is a method used to determine the nucleotide sequences of a DNA fragment
Objective	To determine the genetic makeup of an individual	To determine the genome and proteins that an individual encodes
Focused elements	Focuses on STR patterns of a particular locus	Focuses on the nucleotide sequence of a DNA fragment
Purpose of PCR	PCR is responsible for amplifying STR regions through sequence-specific priming	PCR is responsible for incorporating labeled dideoxynucleotides to the amplicons
Type of technique	Forensic technique	Molecular biology technique
Applications	Used for DNA profiling to identify individuals in forensic studies and for parentage testing	Used for determining nucleotide base sequence, studying genomes and proteomes, medical diagnosis, and identification of new alleles

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