DNA profiles of the child and three individuals 1, 2 and 3 who claim to be the parents of the child are given below. Select the option that shows the correct actual parent/parents of the child.

The correct option is Individual 1 and 3.

Step-by-Step Explanation:

1. Understanding DNA Profiling:
In DNA profiling (gel electrophoresis), a child inherits half of their genetic material from their biological mother and the other half from their biological father. Therefore, every single DNA band present in the child's column (labeled Child X) must align horizontally with a matching band in either the mother's or the father's column.

2. Analyzing the DNA Bands from Top to Bottom:
By tracing the horizontal bands across the columns (Child X, Individual 1, Individual 2, and Individual 3), we can match the origin of each band in the child's profile:
• The 1^st (topmost) band in Child X aligns perfectly with a band in Individual 1.
• The 2^nd band in Child X aligns with a band in Individual 3.
• The 3^rd band in Child X aligns with a band in Individual 1.
• The 4^th band in Child X aligns with a band in Individual 3.
• The 5^th band in Child X (the upper band of the double-band cluster in the lower-middle region) aligns with a band in Individual 3.
• The 6^th band in Child X (the lower band of the double-band cluster) aligns with a band in Individual 1.
• The 7^th band in Child X aligns with a band in Individual 3.
• The 8^th (bottom-most) band in Child X aligns with the bottom-most band of Individual 1.

3. Conclusion:
Every band in the DNA profile of Child X is accounted for by the combination of bands from Individual 1 and Individual 3. Thus, Individual 1 and 3 are the actual biological parents of the child.