How much can DNA tell you?

Question

If you have a random DNA sample, what can you find out about the person? s*x? Race? Genetic diseases?

Answer 1

As for gender: only if you happen to get a specific gene from the Y chromosome.  (Both men and women have an X chromosome.)  In fact, you could only determine that it was a man if the above criteria were met - you can't prove that it's a woman unless you have the entire genome.

As for race - doubtful.  Yes, there are some genetic disorders more common in certain peoples, but the presence of one allele for such a disease wouldn't prove what race that person is.

A lot of genetic material codes for proteins that are universal to all humans, such as ATP synthase, mitochondria, liver cells, etc.  In fact, with just a random DNA sample, it would probably be difficult to determine what species the organism is (assuming it's a hominid).

Answer 2

depends on how much you have..

if you can get the complete genome then

yes, yes, yes and lots more...