“DNA fingerprinting” is a recently-introduced biochemical procedure that uses a pattern derived from a person’s genetic material to match a suspect’s genetic material against that of a specimen from a crime scene. Proponents have claimed astronomically high odds against obtaining a match by chance alone. These odds are based on an assumption that there is independence between the different characteristics represented by a single pattern.
Which one of the following, if true, casts the most doubt on the claim of the proponents of DNA fingerprinting?
OPTIONS[A]. The large amount of genetic material that people share with all other people and with other animals is not included in the DNA fingerprinting procedure.
[B]. There is generally accepted theoretical basis for interpreting the patterns produced by the procedure.
[C]. In the whole population there are various different subgroups, within each of which certain sets of genetic characteristics are shared.
[D]. The skill required of laboratory technicians performing the DNA fingerprinting procedure is not extraordinary.
[E]. In the investigation of certain genetic diseases, the techniques used in DNA fingerprinting have traced the transmission of the diseases among the living members of very large families.
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