(+1) 647 931 2711An important gene that determines the sex of a person is the amelogenin gene. This gene is present on both the X chromosome and Y chromosome and is tested for by most companies specializing in DNA testing. In very few and far between cases, the Y chromosome in males will have a deletion of the amelogenin gene on it (in other words, the amelogenin gene will not be present on the chromosome) and thus, DNA samples tested will result as belonging to a female. This is however, extremely rare and should not be of concern to any one taking a DNA test. Clients buying a DNA test might question why this gene is tested for. The reason is simple; testing this gene supports the validity of the test and is part of the overall quality control offered by the company. Should DNA samples have been placed into the wrong envelopes by the people taking the swabs, the laboratory will immediately take necessary measures. In forensic DNA testing, amelogenin is also a commonly tested gene when it comes to identifying the gender of human remains that are beyond recognition.
This gene is responsible for determining sex in an individual and is found on both the X chromosome and the Y chromosome; the latter chromosome only found in males. DNA testing companies often test 16 loci on the DNA samples provided. However, out of these 16 loci, one of them is the amelogenin gene which is tested as a precautionary measure and as a way to ensure reliability of results. In some cases, people doing the test might misplace the swabs by putting the father’s DNA sample in the daughter’s envelope. Testing this gene, means that such errors are detected and amended by the laboratories carrying out the test. Genetic testing of this gene is also done by forensic teams when bodies have decomposed is a way that does not allow gender to be determined by simply looking at the remains. In very rare cases in males, there is what is known as a deletion on the Y chromosome of the amelogenin gene; this means that male DNA samples will results as being female DNA samples; however, this phenomenon is so seldom that it need not be of concern to anyone wishing to take a DNA test.
