DNA technology is a broad area that covers any use of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) modification for purposes that benefit humans. This includes relatively straightforward routines, such as the production of genetic maps using restriction enzymes, all the way through to highly controversial procedures, such as modification of the genome itself to produce desirable effects.

Technology utilizing DNA can be used for purely investigative reasons. This includes such techniques as genetic fingerprinting in all of its guises. This suite of techniques allows researchers to produce genetic maps of chromosomes based on restriction enzyme digests. One of the better-known applications of genetic fingerprinting is in the investigation of parentage of an individual. Another is in the analysis of a crime scene and the consequent detection of the culprits. In both of these cases the same basic idea is utilized. DNA from a sample (either from a child or...