Science of forensics:

Genome

Entire complement of DNA

DNA

Chemical code that makes life possible

Nucleoctide

Building blocks of DNA

Science of Forensics

Application of science to law (both civic and criminal)

MRNA

Template for protein synthesis

Protein

Functional and Structural

Gene

Sequence of DNA that encodes a specific protein

Allele

Alternative form of gene

Locus

Position on a chromosome

Short Tandem Repeat

Repeating sequences of DNA that occur across the genome

Services provided by forensic laboratories

Chemical & Physical sciences, Toxicology, Biology

Chemical & Physical sciences

glass, paint, fibers, explosives, fire debris, impression evidence

Toxicology (Drug analysis)

Chemical analysis of samples for presence of controlled substances and of body fluids / organs for presence of drugs / poisons

Biology Unit

Analysis of hair, blood & other biological fluids, blood splatter analysis)

DNA Profiling

Identification of individuals based on traces of blood, semen stains, hair, saliva residues

What is DNA profiling used for

paternity testing, food analysis, livestock pedigree analysis

Sample preparation

Reference samples from suspects are collected on special cards from which small circle is punched out for processing

DNA Extraction

DNA is recovered from cells and cleaned in preparation for profiling

Quantification

Amount of DNA required for successful profiling (amount recovered is measured)

Amplification

The pieces of DNA targeted in profiling are copied many times, makes profiling sensitive enough to generate a profile even from a barely visible blood stain

Capillary Electrophoresis

The size of the pieces of DNA targeted are measured and profiles are generated.

Ted Bundy

Odontology

Wayne Williams

Fiber Evidence

Roger Severs

Plant and Fiber evidence

Ennis Cosby

Hair evidence

OJ Simpson

DNA profiling

Snowball (cat)

Animal DNA evidence

Phoenix Arizona

Plant DNA evidence

Golden State Killer

Genealogy database