DNA fingerprinting used to analyse family relationships. The photo shows an X-ray (or autoradiograph) of bands of DNA produced by the technique of electrophoresis in an agarose gel. The pattern of these DNA bands is unique to each individual, but some bands are shared by related people, such as a parent & child. DNA fingerprints can be used to prove conclusively whether people are related. The bands in these DNA fingerprints are marked M for mother, C for child, F for father. DNA fingerprinting for family identificat- ion has numerous applications, including cases of disputed paternity, or where immigrants to a country need to prove a family relationship.