DNA Structure, Function, and Forensic Fingerprint Analysis

What is DNA?

Deoxyribonucleic acid, the molecule that carries genetic information in cells

Where is DNA located in the cell?

In the nucleus and mitochondria

What is the function of DNA?

To store and transmit genetic information, including genes

What are genes?

Segments of DNA that code for proteins

What is a nucleotide?

The basic unit of DNA made of a sugar, phosphate, and base

What is a base pair?

Two complementary nitrogen bases bonded together (A-T, C-G)

What is PCR?

Polymerase Chain Reaction, a method used to amplify DNA

What is DNA amplification?

Making many copies of a DNA sample

What is denaturation in PCR?

Heating DNA to separate strands

What is annealing?

Cooling DNA so primers can attach

What is DNA polymerase?

An enzyme that builds new DNA strands

What are primers?

Short DNA sequences that start DNA replication

What are STRs?

Short Tandem Repeats, repeating DNA sequences used in profiling

What is a DNA profile?

A unique pattern of DNA used to identify individuals

What is capillary electrophoresis?

A method used to separate DNA fragments by size

What is an electropherogram?

A graph showing DNA fragment results

What is CODIS?

A database that stores DNA profiles

What is a buccal swab?

A cheek swab used to collect DNA

What is a locus?

A specific location on a chromosome

What is polymorphism?

Variation in DNA between individuals

What is a drug?

Any substance that affects the body's function

What is an illicit drug?

A drug that is illegal to use or possess

What is the Controlled Substances Act?

A law regulating drugs based on medical use and abuse potential

What are stimulants?

Drugs that increase activity in the nervous system

What are depressants?

Drugs that slow down the nervous system

What are narcotics?

Drugs that relieve pain and can cause sleep

What are opioids?

Drugs derived from opium or synthetic versions

What are cannabinoids?

Compounds from marijuana that affect the brain

What is THC?

The main psychoactive compound in marijuana

What are designer drugs?

Man-made drugs designed to mimic other drugs

What are novel psychoactive substances?

New drugs created to avoid legal restrictions

What are adulterants?

Substances added to drugs to increase bulk

What is a cutting agent?

A substance mixed with drugs to dilute them

What is drug profiling?

Analyzing drugs to determine their origin

What is a precursor?

A chemical used to make drugs

What is a clandestine lab?

An illegal lab used to produce drugs

What is a poison?

A substance that can cause harm or death

What is blood alcohol concentration (BAC)?

The amount of alcohol in a person's blood

What is a breathalyzer?

A device used to measure BAC

What is infrared spectroscopy?

A method to identify substances using light absorption

What are fingerprints?

Patterns of ridges on fingers used for identification

What are the three main fingerprint patterns?

Loop, whorl, and arch

What is a loop fingerprint?

A pattern that enters and exits the same side

What is a whorl fingerprint?

A circular or spiral pattern

What is an arch fingerprint?

A pattern that rises and falls

What is a minutia?

A specific ridge characteristic used for identification

What is a bifurcation?

A ridge that splits into two

What is a delta?

A triangular region in a fingerprint

What is a core?

The center of a fingerprint pattern

What is a latent print?

A hidden fingerprint not visible to the eye

What is a patent print?

A visible fingerprint left in substances like blood

What is a plastic print?

A 3D print left in soft material

What is ACE-V?

Analysis, Comparison, Evaluation, and Verification process

What is individualization?

Matching a fingerprint to one person

What is the Henry system?

A classification system for fingerprints

What is AFIS?

Automated Fingerprint Identification System

What is powder dusting?

A method to visualize fingerprints

What is ninhydrin?

A chemical used to develop prints on paper

What is cyanoacrylate?

Super glue used to develop prints

What is pattern matching?

Comparing fingerprints to find similarities

What is ballistics?

The study of bullets and their motion

What is caliber?

The diameter of a bullet

What is gauge?

A measurement used for shotguns

What is a cartridge?

A complete unit of ammunition

What is a primer?

The part that ignites the gunpowder

What is propellant?

The substance that pushes the bullet forward

What is rifling?

Spiral grooves inside a gun barrel

What are lands and grooves?

Raised and lowered areas inside a barrel

What are striations?

Marks left on a bullet from the barrel

What is a firing pin?

Part that strikes the primer

What are breech face marks?

Marks left on a cartridge casing

What is IBIS?

A system that stores ballistic evidence

What is IBIN?

A network that shares ballistic data

What is a comparison microscope?

A tool used to compare bullets

What is a tool mark?

A mark left by a tool on a surface

What is a compression tool mark?

A mark made by pressing a tool into a surface

What is a cutting tool mark?

A mark made by slicing material

What is a sliding tool mark?

A mark made when a tool moves across a surface

What is shooting reconstruction?

Determining details of a shooting event

What was Lab 7 about?

Analytical instruments in forensic science

What was Lab 8 about?

Arson analysis using gas chromatography

What was Lab 9 about?

Drug identification using TLC and FTIR

What was Lab 10 about?

Analyzing poisoned wine using UV-VIS

What was Lab 11 about?

Fingerprint collection and analysis