To study whether lip prints show genetic inheritance or not

The cross sectional study was conducted on 30 families in different parts of North India (Haryana) with a minimum family size of 3 i.e. father, mother and atleast one child below the age of 25 years and irrespective of their gender. The ethical permission was taken from the institute and the head of locality also. All individuals were healthy and free from genetic diseases. The lip prints of each subject were taken on a bond paper and studied using a magnifying lens by using Suzuki and Tsuchihashi classification.

The most common lip print was found to be type I out of all samples. The chi-square test results showed that the relationship between the father's upper lip pattern and child's upper lip pattern in the first quadrant of the upper lip were statistically significant (at significance level of 5%). Further the Cramer's V (0.49) values obtained for the association also indicated a strong relationship between the upper lip patterns of father and child in the first quadrant. Similarly statistical analysis showed strong relationship between lip pattern of mother and child in lower lip i.e. third quadrant. Other quadrants did not show any significant association and relationship between child and parents.

The study shows that in fact lip prints do follow a hereditary pattern but they are individualistic, each possessing its own unique characteristics. Thus providing a promising tool for the biometric system and forensics and can replace the older methods for the same in future. Resemblance of lip patterns between parents and children to some extent inspite of being unique and individualistic throws an open area which can be explored for establishing paternity, being simple and inexpensive.