If you are thinking of doing a DNA test, an introduction to the basic of genetics and heredity would be highly apt and will help you understand the paternity testing process. Although many people have a basic idea of what DNA is and the purpose it serves, many people still do not quite know the basics of it or need to have their memory refreshed. DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is the genetic blueprint of life. It determines the specific characteristics or traits of each individual. Except for identical twins, every person’s DNA is unique; consequently, a unique genetic profile can be created from a person’s DNA. This DNA profile can uniquely identify the individual and forms the basis of the paternity test.
DNA is a long threadlike molecule found in almost all cells of the human body. An individual’s genetic makeup is coded within the DNA in several functional units called genes. The entire DNA content of practically all cells is located in 46 chromosomes. These are complex molecular structures consisting of a long DNA strand and a framework of associated proteins.
The chromosomes are grouped into 23 pairs, of which 22 pairs are homologous, meaning that the paired chromosomes are of the same size and appearance and store information related to the same inherited traits. The 23rd pair comprises the sex chromosomes that are important for sex determination. Each set of 23 chromosomes is inherited from one biological parent. Thus, every individual has two genetic complements in their DNA, one complement inherited from the biological mother and the other from the biological father. This fact forms the foundation on which DNA Paternity Testing and the paternity testing process is based, since it allows the biological relationship between a child and an alleged father to be validated or excluded by a comparison of their DNA.
