Unit 8 - biological evidence

DNA

in nucleus, from both parents, 19000-25000, double helix shape

mtDNA

mitochondria, from mom, 37 genes, circular

RFLP

Restriction Enzyme Fragment Length Polymorphism

RFLP in data analysis

to cut DNA into fragments

Gel electrophoresis is

used to separate molecules according to size using a current, slow, cheap, large DNA sample, ladder is used as a size reference

Capillary electrophoresis summary

smaller sample amounts, no lanes to keep track of data in computer, shorter run time, expensive

PCR

Polymerase chain reaction

Purpose of PCR

To use when the sample is too small for other analysis techniques, amplifies copies of regions of the genome that vary between individuals

CODIS

Combined DNA index system

Purpose of CODIS

used to store and compare DNA profiles from crime scene evidence and known offenders

CODIS is in how many DNA locations

20

Humane genome project

Determining the base pairs that make up human DNA & mapping all genes of the human genome

Cold hit

When DNA evidence is recovered from a crime scene and years will pass before comparison w/ a known DNA sample

John Doe warrant

arrest warrant issued when a suspects identified solely by DNA not by name

Innocence Project

Exonerate wrongfully convicted individuals through DNA testing

Most common reason people are wrongly convicted

False witness accounts/accusations

Colin Pitchfork

convicted of rape/murder using DNA profile, enderby

Ware

first trial where mitochondrial DNA was accepted, Tennessee

Tommy Lee Andrews

First American ever convicted in a case using DNA evidence, florida

Pestinikas

first time PCR was used, Pennsylvania