Your basket is emptyDNA helps catch a killer
Posted 10th Sep 2018
Good things happen on Mondays…on this day in 1984 Sir Alec Jeffreys discovered DNA fingerprinting in his lab at the University of Leicester. While looking at an X-ray film image of a DNA experiment he realised he could discern clear similarities and differences in the DNA of different members of one family.
From this “eureka moment” came today’s genetic fingerprinting methods, helping to identify and catch criminals. The first such case involved the murders of two girls in 1983 and 1986 and the conviction of their murderer through DNA evidence in 1988. Sir Alec Jeffreys' genetic profiling techniques are also used to unite families in immigration and paternity cases.
To further understand the complex structure of DNA, check out our DNA model. The Minit ProView DNA model is shown here, which features more than 2000 atoms and bonds in 1 1/2 pitches of DNA double helix (15 base pairs).
DNA models are also available as part of our Orbit range as both small and large models for teaching and display.
