<P> DNA profiling (also called DNA fingerprinting, DNA testing, or DNA typing) is the process of determining an individual's DNA characteristics, which are as unique as fingerprints . DNA analysis intended to identify a species, rather than an individual, is called DNA barcoding . </P> <P> DNA profiling is commonly used as a forensic technique in criminal investigations, for example comparing one or more individuals' profiles to DNA found at a crime scene so as to assess the likelihood of their involvement in the crime . It is also used in parentage testing, to establish immigration eligibility, and in genealogical and medical research . DNA profiling has also been used in the study of animal and plant populations in the fields of zoology, botany, and agriculture . </P> <P> The modern process of DNA profiling was developed in 1984 by Sir Alec Jeffreys while working in the Department of Genetics at the University of Leicester . </P> <P> Although 99.9% of human DNA sequences are the same in every person, enough of the DNA is different that it is possible to distinguish one individual from another, unless they are monozygotic ("identical") twins . DNA profiling uses repetitive ("repeat") sequences that are highly variable, called variable number tandem repeats (VNTRs), in particular short tandem repeats (STRs), also known as microsatellites, and minisatellites . VNTR loci are very similar between closely related individuals, but are so variable that unrelated individuals are extremely unlikely to have the same VNTRs . </P>

When was dna technology first used in forensics