Article title: Following the flock
This article provides a description of how a retrovirus DNA was used to determine the migration of a flock of sheep. Samples from different breeds of sheep were collected from different continents in the world. Extraction of the DNA involved the application of the extraction process for obtaining DNA. Since DNA fingerprinting involves obtaining, isolating, and making images of DNA sequences, scientist looked for six variants of the retrovirus in sheep referred to as Jaagsiekte, which is responsible for causing shortness of breath. This retrovirus common to sheep had inserted itself in the DNA over time and could be located in different parts of the sheep’s DNA. The researchers further indicated that the virus might splice their code into germ line cells like sperms. Thus, it becomes easy for the virus to be transferred from sheep to offspring through the sperms and the eggs. Locating the retrovirus in the DNA of the various sheep indicated that the sheep had a common ancestor because the retrovirus was easily transferred to parents to offspring. Therefore, using certain aspects of a variant in the DNA can help identify a lineage or origin of certain animals.
I do believe that DNA fingerprinting is a vital concept, which should be applied to identify and solve different issues that cannot be resolved otherwise. Application of the correct procedures in DNA fingerprinting may have significant benefits in solving crimes. Federal funds need to be provided if the process if required to achieve success in terms of accuracy. This will require the use of sophisticated equipment.
Work Cited
Ghose, Tia. "Following the flock | The Scientist Magazine®." The Scientist Magazine®. N.p.,
