DNA Fingerprinting

    DNA is the genetic material found within the cell nuclei of all living things. In mammals the strands of DNA are grouped into structures called chromosomes.¹ With the exception of identical siblings (as in identical twins)²，the complete DNA of each individual is unique.

    DNA fingerprinting is sometimes called DNA typing.³ It is a method of identification that compares bits of DNA. A DNA fingerprint is constructed by first drawing out a DNA sample from body tissue or fluid such as hair, blood, or saliva. The sample is then segmented using enzymes, and the segments are arranged by size. The segments are marked with probes and exposed on X-ray film，where they form a pattern of black bars — the DNA fingerprint.⁴ If the DNA fingerprints produced from two different samples match，the two samples probably came from the same person.

    DNA fingerprinting was first developed as an identification technique in 1985. Originally used to detect the presence of genetic diseases⁵，it soon came to be used in criminal investigations and legal affairs. The first criminal conviction based on DNA evidence⁶ in the United Statesoccurred in 1988. In criminal investigations, DNA fingerprints derived from evidence collected at the crime scene are compared to the DNA fingerprints of suspects. Generally, courts have accepted the reliability of DNA testing and admitted DNA test results into evidence. However, DNA fingerprinting is controversial in a number of areas： the accuracy of the results, the cost of testing, and the possible misuse of the technique.   

    The accuracy of DNA fingerprinting has been challenged for several reasons. First, because DNA segments rather than complete DNA strands are "fingerprinted" ； a DNA fingerprint may not be unique ； large-scale research to confirm the uniqueness of DNA fingerprinting test results has not been conducted. In addition，DNA fingerprinting is often done in private laboratories that may not follow uniform testing standards and quality controls. Also, since human beings must interpret the test, human error could lead to false results.

    DNA fingerprinting is expensive. Suspects who are unable to provide their own DNA to experts may not be able to successfully defend themselves against charges based on DNA evidence.

    Widespread use of DNA testing for identification purposes may lead to the establishment of a DNA fingerprint database.

词汇：

figerprinting /ˈfɪŋgəprɪnt/ n. 指纹法，指纹术 

nucleus /"nju:klɪəs/ n. 核，中心
genetic / dʒəˈnetɪk / adj. 遗传的 

mammal /ˈmæml/ n. 哺乳动物
chromosome /ˈkrəʊməˌsəʊm/ n. 染色体 

identification /"aɪˌdentɪfɪˈkeɪʃn/ n. 识别，鉴定，证明
enzyme /"enzaɪm/ n. 酶 

suspect /səˈspekt/ n. 嫌疑犯
fingerprint / ˈfɪŋgəprɪnt / n. 指纹 

saliva /səˈlaɪvə/ n. 唾液
segment /ˈsegmənt/ vt.  分割，分裂；切片，不笨
controversial / ˌkɒntrəˈvɜ:ʃl / adj. 有争议的 

uniform /"ju:nɪfɔ:ml/ adj. 一致的，相同的

注释：

1.In mammals the strands of DNA are grouped into structures called chromosomes.哺乳L动物的 DNA线被组合为称作染色体的各种结构。
2.With the exception of identical siblings (as in identical twins)：生物姊妹体除外（如完全相同的双胞胎）
3.DNA fingerprinting is sometimes called DNA typing. DNA 指纹检查法有时也称 DNA 印记法。
4.The segments are marked with probes and exposed on X-ray film, where they form a pattern of black bars - the DNA fingerprint.切片先用探针做标记，然后在X光片上曝光。胶片上形成 由黑色条纹组成的图案，这就是DNA指纹。
5.Originally used to detect the presence of genetic diseases ： (DNA 指纹法）开始是用来探测遗传病的存在
6.The first criminal conviction based on DNA evidence：基于 DNA 提供证据的首例定罪

This essay talks about DNA fingerprinting concerning the following aspects EXCEPT____

A:legal application of the method B:the way to obtain a DNA sample C:work yet to be done about DNA fingerprinting D:possible danger in drawing a DNA sample from the human body

They ______ about the TV news then in the sitting-room. They often ______ such talks

A:talked; had B:talk; have C:were talking; had D:are talking; have

The passage mainly talks about______

A:the New Deal Era (1993 -- 1937) B:the WPA and the PWA C:a pattern for the future D:one-third of a nation

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A:the development of fast food services B:how McDonald's became a billion- dollar business C:the business careers of Mac and Dick McDonald D:Ray Kroc’s business talent

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A:it's great fun for people to fly a kite in light wind B:what is wind C:high winds are very dangerous D:people can feel wind, hear wind but can't see wind

This passage talks mainly about ______.

A:Why the umbrella was so popular in Europe B:When and how the umbrella was invented C:the history and use of umbrella D:the development of the umbrella

This passage talks mainly about ______.

A:Why the umbrella was so popular in Europe B:When and how the umbrella was invented C:the history and use of umbrella D:the development of the umbrella