Scientific Explanation of DNA Testing Results example

As maternity is rarely disputed, we will use the example of disputed paternity to explain the testing. In this example there are two possible fathers, Father A and Father B.

The tables below show the laboratory derived data on which the report is based.

Useful terminology:

Locus: general area of DNA being examined
Loci: plural form of locus
Allele: individual components of a locus, one inherited from biological mother and one from biological father

The human body contains 100 trillion cells.
Within each of these cells is a nucleus.

Within the nucleus are organised structures called chromosomes.

Chromosomes are arranged in pairs.
Humans have 22 pairs of chromosomes plus 2 sex chromosomes.

Chromosomes contain DNA - the basic building block of life.

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