DNA Profiling Used in Courts DNA profiling is a technique often used to identify criminals or the biological parents of a child through the analysis of their deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA ). The technique is very effective because it is based on the fact that each person has their own set of DNA, unique to them, with the exception of identical twins. DNA present in materials such as blood, semen, bones and hair is extracted for analysis. Its application poses problems because it can be considered an invasion of privacy through the use of DNA banks. Recently, there has been speculation about the accuracy of DNA profiling, leading to concerns that criminals may have been falsely convicted. The cost of DNA profiling is very high, making it inaccessible to some people. There is also a risk of misuse of DNA profiling. There are several different DNA profiling techniques currently in use. I chose to study the most common type of DNA profiling, restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). The first part of the process is called the restriction summary. First, the DNA is broken into pieces using an enzyme called Hinfl. This enzyme, from the bacterium Haemophilus influenza, is capable of recognizing and breaking DNA whenever a GANTC sequence appears. GANTC represents the bases present in DNA (Guanine, Adenine, Cytosine and Thymine). The N represents any nucleotide (phosphorus and sugar). The DNA pieces are then sorted by size by electrophoresis. The DNA particles are placed in an agarose gel and an electrical charge is applied to the gel. A positive charge is applied to the bottom and a negative charge to the top of the gel, which is capable of conducting electricity. Negatively charged DNA particles are attracted to the bottom of the gel. The smaller DNA fragments move faster and end up at the very bottom of the gel. Heat or chemicals are used to break DNA into single strands, which involves breaking the