Calculator
What are the differences between DNA profiling and DNA sequencing?
Posted March 10, 2022
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 |
Additional resources