How It Works

About DNA

Although DNA differences between human individuals are very small, those differences serve as a tag or tracer of that individual. These differences are defined in terms of their structure and/or DNA length.

In order to analyse and assemble your DNA fingeprint we concentrate on analyzing fragments (alleles) obtained from a particular portion of the DNA molecule that are defined in terms of their length.

The essential element of a fragment is the repeat, which is a short sequence of basepairs (DNA building blocks). The core of the fragment is composed of a variable number of identical repeats that are linked in tandem. A sample of fragments from a population of individuals exhibits substantial variation in length because of variation in the number of repeats. By analysing an adequate number of these genes with variable length we can assemble a DNA profile which is unique for each individual.

Sample Collection

In order for us to generate your genetic fingerprint we have to extract your DNA. DNA can be extracted from a variety of different samples but the easiest way is by using a cheek swab.

Sample collection is a simple, non-invasive and painless procedure. You simply remove a cheek swab from the plastic wrapping, press it against the inside of your cheek and while rotating, rub it around the inside of your cheek for 15-20 seconds. After that, put the swab in the protective paper envelope and send back to us using the courier bag provided.

DNA Extraction

Once we receive your sample, we extract the DNA from the swab by using a procedure by which DNA is separated from any attached proteins and subsequently precipitated by centrifugation.

After obtaining pure DNA we are ready to produce your genetic profile using a method called PCR (polymerase chain reaction).

Generating your genetic profile

In order to generate a specific genetic profile we analyze a selected set of DNA fragments (also called alleles and/or markers) which are specific to each individual. These markers are similar to those used in an identity testing procedure. By combining all of them we create a unique pattern which, if an appropriate number of markers are used, will be specific for each person in the world.

Procedure

To isolate these markers from the pool of other DNA fragments we amplify them many times using a special enzyme responsible for the DNA synthesis. This procedure requires a complex set of molecular biology reagents and tools in order to faithfully replicate genetic fragments.

In the next step we separate the amplified fragments using a process known as electrophoresis. During this process we also dye DNA using special “DNA sensitive” dye which fluoresces under UV light. This enables us to visualize and capture DNA fragments under the UV light. When you receive your DNA fingerprint on canvas you receive up to 18 different DNA markers analyzed and represented as horizontal “bands” within the gel-like structure.

Printing

Once we compose your DNA profile we adjust the color pattern of the raw image according to your preferences and send the image to the printery where high quality ink is used to transfer the image to canvas. You can choose a variety of different canvas sizes or even specify the size you prefer. We use 260gsm cotton canvas which produces a more textured image and has a matte finish.

The canvas is given time to dry both before and after treatment with a UV protectant. A solid NZ pine 35mm frame is made, custom-sized, for your printed canvas, which is stretched around the frame and secured by staples. The canvas is packed in both protective plastic foil and bubble wrap and shipped to you.