As at the moment, scientists are yet to create human clones. However, identical twins are the closest that we have to human clones. Just like identical twins, clones have the same genetic blueprints (Thetech, 2011). Identical twins look exactly the same, but recent studies have revealed that they do not have the same fingerprints. While identical twins are formed from the same egg, clones are usually derived from existing hosts (Thetech, 2011). Studies have revealed that despite general patterns of fingerprints being genetically determined, finer details such as the specific path of the ridges as well as the forks or breaks in the ridges are not (Crimemuseum, 2017). This clearly shows that even in human clones, these finer details are likely to be different. Genetics are not involved in determining the unique features of fingerprints, meaning that it is false to conclude that since they are directly derived from hosts, clones would have same fingerprints.
The shared genes in identical twins makes them look exactly the same in terms of physical appearance. The genes they share have also been shown to contribute to other similarities such as IQ, temperament and vulnerability to certain diseases (Langenburg, 2017). However, differences in their personalities and other non-physical features usually start to become apparent as the identical twins grow older. The main cause of these changes is usually the natural changes that take place in their DNA over the years (Langenburg, 2017). Factors such as diet and the environment also contribute to the said. The fact that clones develop in different womb environments means that they are bound to even be more different as far as non-genetic traits are concerned (Thetech, 2011). This is further compounded by the fact that they will develop and grow in different times. Since the specific ridge features that contribute to the uniqueness of fingerprints are not genetically determine, the conclusion that clones would have same fingerprints since they are directly derived from hosts is false.
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Since each individual’s fingerprints’, including twins and clones, are unique, they are usually used to accurately identify individuals. Fingerprint identification is based on two main principles namely individuality and permanence (Langenburg, 2017). The formation of fingerprint ridges takes place starting from the third to the fourth month of a pregnancy. It is during this time that individual characteristics such as ridge bifurcations and ridge endings are formed. The permanence principal states that these individual ridge characteristics do not naturally change in one’s lifetime (Langenburg, 2017). On the hand, the individuality principle has it that no two regions of friction skin on any two people has the same individual characteristics in the same unit relationship. Langenburg (2017), says that, fingerprints can either be patent or latent prints. Patent prints are those that are visible to the naked eye while latent prints are usually not visible.
Latent prints come about when sweat on person’s skin as well as the natural oils produced by the body are deposited on a surface. There are a variety of methods that are used to collect latent prints, the most common one being dusting a surface with fingerprint powder (Crimemuseum, 2017). Another approach that is growing in popularity is Alternate Light Source (ALS) in which LED or laser devices are used to emit a particular spectrum or wavelength of light. Chemical processing is another approach. This involves using chemicals such as DFO and ninhydrin (Crimemuseum, 2017). Another popular method of collecting the prints is cyanoacrylate under which surfaces are exposed to cyanoacrylate vapors which then stick to any prints on the surface. Photos of the identified prints are always taken after which an analysis is performed (Crimemuseum, 2017). This involves comparing the identified print with that of a known person. An Automated Biometric Identification System is usually used in cases where there is no known individual to compare the identified print with. The ABIS is a database containing friction ridge details of all citizens and persons of interest, allowing for easy comparison and confirmation of evidentiary print. The resulting comparisons using such a system is usually reviewed further by an examiner as a way of assuring quality and accuracy.
When examining an unknown print, examiners have to undertake number of steps including establishing the class and individual characteristics of the print. Class characteristics are those are those that are evident in many individuals, narrowing down a print to a specific group as opposed to an individual (Crimemuseum, 2017). These traits are mainly the shape of the print which occur in three major types namely loops, arches and whorls (Crimemuseum, 2017). Taking arches as an example, they fit the description of class characteristics because the said general pattern can be found in more than one person . On the other hand, individual characteristics are those that occur uniquely in individuals. These traits go by the name Galton’s details and include ridge endings, bifurcations and dots. Ridge endings fit the description of individual characteristics because there are no two or more individuals with similar ridge endings.
References
Crimemuseum, (2017). Fingerprints Retrieved from: http://www.crimemuseum.org/crime-library/fingerprints/
Langenburg, G (2017). Are one's fingerprints similar to those of his or her parents in any discernable way? Retrieved from: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/are-ones-fingerprints-sim/
Thetech (2011). Do clones have anything in common other than the way they look? Retrieved From: http://genetics.thetech.org/ask/ask415
