Question

Genetic Fingerprinting

On September 10th 1984, Alec Jeffreys, a scientist at Leicester University, was using DNA in an experiment to analyse the inheritance element in illness. DNA
is the molecule that carries our genetic information. Looking at an X-ray showing the DNA profiles of his assistant and her parents, he suddenly realised
that he had, completely by accident, discovered a revolutionary new method of biological identification. He called it “Genetic Fingerprinting”.

The importance of the discovery was recognised immediately by both the UK police and immigration authorities. The technique is now used in forensic
science to assist police detective work and to resolve paternity and immigration disputes. It has also helped convict thousands of murderers, rapists and burglars
while freeing many innocent people already in prison.

Genetic fingerprinting also has a promising future in the battle against disease. Scientists are storing genetic information of people in a “biobank”, in the
world’s largest study of the role of nature and nurture in health and disease. Many of the worst illnesses, including heart disease, diabetes and Alzheimer’s,
are caused by complex interactions between genes, lifestyle and environment.

However, it does have a negative side. Many people are worried that the discovery could badly affect our civil liberties. Jeffreys fears possible abuses of
the system. He wants a global DNA database but without any information on race, health or physical appearance. As the technique becomes more
sophisticated, all this information and more will be available.

2.- In your own words and based on the ideas in the text, answer the following questions.
Do not copy from the text.
a) How does genetic fingerprinting help the police in their work?
b) What are the possible consequences of the incorrect use of the new discovery?


Prueba de Selectividad Madrid, Convocatoria Junio 2014-2015, Ingles

Answer 1

Question 2:

a.      How does genetic fingerprinting help the police in their work?

 There are many ways genetic fingerprinting can be useful for the police. For instance, in a forensic investigation they can be deciding when proving an accused person is innocent, and the police can arrest the real robber or murderer.

b.      What are the possible consequences of the incorrect use of the new discovery?

There is a thin line between the security warranties we have to have and the respect of the individual liberties and right of the people. This system requires a lot of information (race, health problems…) and that’s the point the conflict comes at.

PRUEBA DE SELECTIVIDAD COMUNIDAD MADRID CONVOCATORIA JUNIO 2014-2015 INGLES