CHAPTER II: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Introduction

In this study we aim to find out if your fingerprints can be inherited from your

parents and if it can be used as an alternative for DNA. This study can be beneficial to

many people.

FOREIGN LITERATURE AND STUDIES

According to Andres J. Washington, it is possible for the family members to

have the same fingerprints ; due to our genetic codes. The relevance of this to the study

is that it would help the researchers easily identify the families because of the

similarities between the fingerprint patterns. So, they can also compare it to other

families to check the differences of each. (Washington, 2017)

Glenn Langenburg, a certified latent print examiner at the Minnesota Bureau

of Criminal Apprehension explains that, “there is an inheritable quality to fingerprints.”

Even though the fingerprint patterns on each of our fingers are not identical. It is

because of the timing of fetal development. It is developed during weeks 10 through 15.

Evidence may be the DNA of identical twins. They share the same DNA and therefore,

also the same genetic development timing. The fingerprints on both twins often have

very similar size and shape and pattern types. This shows that you are more likely to

share a similar fingerprint pattern with your family members compared to an unrelated
individual. Therefore in this study, the researchers will be able to prove that you may

inherit your fingerprints from your parents based on the collected data. (Langenburg,

2015)

The connection of this article to our research is that we would know that

every person is unique by their fingerprints which could help people identify each other.

These fingerprints have different shapes and kinds that can prove that every fingerprint

is really unique and could be inherited because of our genes.

It could also help orphans identify their biological family members without

spending any amount of money because DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) really costs a lot

of money and based on the researchers’ study they claimed that fingerprints can be

inherited that makes it easier for people to find their longed family member. It is way

cheaper than taking DNA tests. Our research could even help thousands of people in

our society who does not have much money to provide for expensive DNAs.

According to the Science Buddies, we can often tell that two people are

related because they have several similar physical traits, such as facial features or hair

color. This is because children receive half of their DNA (genetic blueprints) from each

parent. But what about something small, such as fingerprints—are they an inherited

trait? Fingerprints are used to identify people because each person's fingerprints are

unique, but people can have similar fingerprint patterns. You'll be able to see if your
fingerprint pattern is just one more trait that you can thank your father (and mother) for

giving you.(Science Buddies, 2014 )

The largest German biometrics provider presents the fastest Automated

Fingerprint Identification System in the world - the DERMALOG AFIS. As confirmed by

the renowned test SGS-TÜV Saar, the software allows the processing of almost 3.6

billion matches per second. Despite its speed, the system is still extremely reliable.This

system can tell if you have the same finger print with another person and it is also

proven that it could work. It can help the doctors by having a alternative for DNA test

and it can help the community because of the less amount you would pay. (Hamburg,

2018)

Each person’s fingerprints are unique, which is why they have long been

used as a way to identify individuals. Surprisingly little is known about the factors that

influence a person’s fingerprint patterns. Like many other complex traits, studies

suggest that both genetic and environmental factors play a role. (Burger B, 2010)

The basic size, shape, and spacing of dermatoglyphs appear to be

influenced by genetic factors. Studies suggest that multiple genes are involved, so the

inheritance pattern is not straightforward. Genes that control the development of the

various layers of skin, as well as the muscles, fat, and blood vessels underneath the

skin, may all play a role in determining the pattern of ridges. The finer details of the

patterns of skin ridges are influenced by other factors during fetal development,

including the environment inside the womb. These developmental factors cause each
person’s dermatoglyphs to be different from everyone else’s. Even identical twins, who

have the same DNA, have different fingerprints. (Fuchs, 2009)

Given the fragility of fingerprints on certain surfaces it is necessary to use

specific techniques to capture them; these include gently brushing over the prints with a

magnesium powder and/or cyanocrylic chemical (the likes of which can be found in

household superglue). Ultra violet light is also often used for the identification of

fingerprints on surfaces where they would not normally be easily visible.Fingerprints are

not only photographed and but are also made on card by impressing the individual

fingers onto ink. They are also used for the identification of the deceased as well when

normal methods of visual identification are not possible.It is worth noting also that

although DNA samples cannot be held after the completion of a police investigation -

unless the suspect is found guilty of a crime; fingerprint information can be kept on file.

The crime scene is photographed to minimise the risk of conflicting statements and if

there is a corpse at the scene it too will be photographed post mortem so that a record

of how the body was found, what position it was found in, and the nature of its mortal

court cases.injuries can be documented for later inspection.In many cases photographic

evidence is very important for both the prosecution and defence counsels. It is also

used as a means of displaying the nature of a crime scene to officers of an investigative

team who were not able to attend.Advances in modern technology have also meant that

a crime scene can not only be photographed but also recorded as video to represent an

accurate depiction of what was happening at the time; this can be useful in criminal

proceedings and subsequent.

A forensic photographer will often use numbered indicators, which are also height

indicators and these are placed next to pieces of evidence before they are

photographed. This is used to portray height, distance and radius especially if the crime

scene is outside or in a very enclosed space. These numbered markers are also used

to cross reference the evidence against any reports made and often find themselves

known as 'exhibits' in subsequent court proceedings. Crime scene photographs are also

used - not only as a means of evidence - but also as a blueprint for reconstructing a

scene or event at a later stage. These reconstructive events can be used as a means of

jogging the memories of passers-by who may have been witness to an event or saw a

perpetrator without realising they had. Photography is also used to catalogue the series

of events, which occur from the time a corpse is found and removed from a crime scene

and taken for autopsy. The autopsy itself is photographed so that all relevant details as

to the procedure can be recorded and that all visible wounds are catalogued. (Galton,

2010)

SYNTHESIS

All of these studies compiled by the researchers will be useful all throughout the

investigatory project. According to Washington and Langenburg, it is possible for

fingerprints to be inherited from one’s parents. The researchers will also make use of

the studies related to how fingerprints are collected at crime scenes and in many more
situations. Based on their observations as well, fingerprints play a very important role for

it determines our identity.