The human body grows and develops based on the genetic code that is received when conception takes place within a woman's body. A person's genetic code is responsible for various different aspects of that individual's life. These aspects include the individual's height, propensity to put on weight, physical appearance, and many other factors. Genetic information is also useful for analyzing a person's chances of falling prey to particular conditions or diseases. This is a relatively modern application of genetic science because recent research has begun understanding the link between genetics and various conditions or diseases.
DNA is the short form of Deoxyribonucleic Acid.This is the acid within which the genetic material of every individual is present. DNA testing is the process where a sample of body fluid or body tissue is used for collecting genetic material. This material is then subjected to many different tests which can determine the genetic makeup of the sample that has been collected. An individual's DNA structure is a 50-50 makeup of the material present in each parent. This means that the DNA of a child will resemble half of the DNA from his or her mother and half of the DNA of the father. A person's DNA is also very unique with the chance of two individuals having the same DNA makeup being extremely low. This is useful because it means that DNA may be used as an accurate and reliable identification of every single individual.
A DNA test is usually conducted for legal reasons such as investigations in criminal matters. It is also regularly used for determining the parentage of a child, especially for establishing the paternity of a child. DNA testing results are available after an extensive analysis of samples collected is done. A DNA test is a complicated procedure and requires the use of advanced laboratory equipment in order to be done. A DNA test uses a sample collected from a person's saliva, blood or body tissue. This sample is usually tested along with a target sample which belongs to either parent. The DNA testing results are expressed in the form of various markers which are compared between samples. When the comparative analysis is complete, one can definitively state whether two people are related to each other or not. The test result given to the person who is taking the test is usually in the form of a verdict which could be 'related' or 'not related'.