What is DNA?

DNA - or Deoxyribonucleic Acid - is the building blocks of life and can be found in almost every cell of the human body.

DNA stores information about the way the body grows. It determines the way a person looks, their health and their personality. However, environmental factors also play a large part in determining a person’s looks, health and personality, such as the types and quantity of food a person eats, whether a person smokes, etc.

With the exception of identical twins, everyone’s DNA is unique to them. As DNA cannot be altered, it can be used as a means of identification.

DNA can sometimes be found at a scene of a crime and DNA evidence can indicate whether a person had been at the scene of that crime. It is important to note that just because a person’s DNA has been found at a crime scene, it does not mean that the person took part in the criminal activity. For this reason, DNA evidence alone cannot be presented as a case for prosecution.

Unlike other types of forensic evidence, such as fingerprints, DNA can reveal much personal information. For example, DNA can be used to prove a family relation, and can show whether a person has, or is at risk of, an illness.

The Human Genetics Commission is asking people their views on some of the issues surrounding the National DNA Database.   

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