Science Fair Reseach Report

RESEARCH REPORT

Question: Are fingerprint patterns inherited?


Why did I choose this topic?

 I chose this topic because both fingerprints and genetics have intrigued me for a long time and this would be a great opportunity to look further into it. In this project I am going to examine the fingerprints from pairs of siblings and unrelated pairs to find out if the fingerprint patterns are genetic or random.

Sub-questions / answers:

What are fingerprints?

Fingerprints are impressions made by the ridges on the surfaces of the fingers and thumb. These patterns are unique to every human being, even identical twins. The ridges do not change with growth or age. They provide friction when we hold objects so that the object doesn’t slip through our fingers, and also, scientists believe, enhance our sense of touch.They are also known to generate the vibrations and signals when we touch things to our sensory nerves.

What are the different fingerprint patterns?

Fingerprint patterns are divided into three main groups of Arches, Loops and Whorls. About 5% of all fingerprints are Arches, 30% are whorls and 65% are Loops. Whorl patterns consist of a spiral in the center of the finger, a Loop pattern curves from the outer finger inward and back again, and an Arch pattern typically forms a sign rather like that of an Omega symbol.

How are fingerprints formed?

After the first few weeks of gestation, or when babies form in their mother’s wombs, the ridges that make up fingerprints are formed on the epidermus (outer layer if skin) are formed on the fingertips. It is the slight change in the womb environment that causes twins to be born with similar, but not identical, fingerprints.

How do we leave fingerprint marks?

Fingers are covered in tiny skin pores which produce lots of oils and sweat, which are detected by fingerprint powder. Police and other detectives use fingerprints to track down criminals. Since each person has a unique print that doesn’t change overtime, they can be used by means of investigation.

What are genes?

Genes are subunits of DNA, which is a huge chemical database that sends all the essential protiens to the cells. Each human body contains 25,000 to 35,000 genes,which carry information determining your traits. We can tell when people are siblings because they have similar physical traits. This is because children get half their DNA from each parent. All siblings are a mixture of their parent’s DNA, which results in more matching traits between siblings than in non-related pairs.


Who invented the rules of genetics?

Genetics was invented by Gregor Johann Mendel, a German monk. He conducted his experiments, more out of curiosity than anything, on the simple pea plant. Mendel’s work suggested that heredity was particulate not acquired, and that the inheritance patterns of many traits could be explained through simple rules and ratios. His work was forgotten for many years before it was rediscovered after his death.




Definitions


Heredity: Heredity is the passing on of physical or mental characteristics genetically from one generation to another.

Siblings: Siblings are people who were born of the same parents, and often share traits.

Gestation: Gestation is the time spent developing in the womb.

Epidermus: The outermost layer of skin, after the dermus.

Fingerprint: A fingerprint is the ridges formed on the epidermus that helps us to grasp objects.

Inheritance: The passing on of characteristics or traits between generations.

In utero: In the uterus, or womb.

Gregor Mendel: The German monk who invented the rules of modern genetics.


DNA: Deoxyribonucleic acid, a self-replicating material which is a part of all living creatures. It is a carrier of genetic information.

Chorosomes: Chorosomes carry the codes for traits and are inherited from both
parents.Girls inherit two X chorosomes and boys inherit an X and a Y chorosome.







BY MARGARITA