Which term accurately describes the analysis of variable DNA segments used to identify individuals?

• A. Genome
• B. Allele Typing
• C. DNA Fingerprinting
• D. DNA Profiling

Answer: (C)

Analyzing variable regions of DNA to distinguish individuals relies on patterns created by differences in short tandem repeats, yielding a unique DNA fingerprint for each person. This term specifically captures the idea of producing a distinctive pattern from those variable DNA segments to identify individuals. A genome is the full genetic material, not just the variable parts used for identification. Allele typing involves determining which alleles are present at loci, but doesn’t by itself describe creating a full identifying profile. DNA profiling is the broader process of analyzing DNA for identification and can be used synonymously, but DNA fingerprinting best fits the concept of using variable segments to identify individuals.