DNA fingerprinting technique is used for:

The correct answer is Option (3) → Determining population and genetic diversity

DNA fingerprinting compares the repeated DNA sequences (such as VNTRs) of individuals. These repeats differ a great deal from person to person, which is called DNA polymorphism. So the technique can identify a person, settle paternity disputes and help in forensic cases. Because it shows how much the DNA varies, it is also used in determining population and genetic diversities.

(1) Sex determination — Incorrect. Sex is decided by the sex chromosomes of the person. DNA fingerprinting is not used for this.

(2) Finding genetic disorders — Incorrect. Genetic disorders are found by methods of molecular diagnosis, such as PCR, ELISA and gene probes. DNA fingerprinting identifies individuals.

(3) Determining population and genetic diversity — Correct. This is one of its wider uses.

(4) Understanding chromosomal behavior and dynamics — Incorrect. The behaviour of chromosomes is studied by watching dividing cells under the microscope, not by DNA fingerprinting.

NCERT Extract:
DNA Fingerprinting – “… The sensitivity of the technique has been increased by use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR– you will study about it in Chapter 9). Consequently, DNA from a single cell is enough to perform DNA fingerprinting analysis. In addition to application in forensic science, it has much wider application, such as have been shown to contain different copy number of VNTR. For the sake of understanding different colour schemes have been used to trace the origin of each band in the gel. The two alleles (paternal and maternal) of a chromosome also contain different copy numbers of VNTR. It is clear that the banding pattern of DNA from crime scene matches with individual B, and not with A. in determining population and genetic diversities.”