In DNA profiling, what comes after fragment separation by size via gel electrophoresis?

• A. DNA is released
• B. DNA fragments are cut with restriction enzymes
• C. DNA is amplified
• D. Patterns of bands are analysed and compared

Answer: (D)

Fragment separation by size via gel electrophoresis produces a visual banding pattern that tells you the sizes of DNA fragments in each sample. The next essential step in DNA profiling is to interpret that pattern by analyzing the bands — their number, positions, and intensities — and compare it to a reference profile or another sample. This comparison determines whether the samples come from the same individual (a match) or not (a mismatch). The other steps—releasing DNA, cutting with restriction enzymes, or amplifying DNA—are part of preparing the fragments earlier in the process, but once the separation is done, the information you rely on is the banding pattern and how it matches (or doesn’t) with a known profile.