DNA Basics and Profiling

These flashcards cover key concepts of DNA basics, DNA profiling, case studies involving DNA evidence, and forensic applications related to DNA.

What is the complementary DNA strand for the sequence TAGCCGATGCA?

ATCGGCTACGT

What are the three parts of a nucleotide?

Phosphate, nitrogenous base, sugar

What does DNA stand for and where is it located in a cell?

Deoxyribonucleic acid; nucleus and mitochondria

What are the 4 nitrogenous bases and their base pairing rules?

Adenine, Thymine, Cytosine, Guanine; A=T and C=G

What is the difference between nuclear DNA and mitochondrial DNA?

Nuclear DNA is in the nucleus and inherited from both parents; mitochondrial DNA is in the mitochondria and inherited only from the mother.

What is one name that the Bear Brook murderer went by?

Terry Rasmussen, Bob Evans, Curtis Kimball, Gordon Jensen, Larry Vanner, Gerry Mockerman

Which former NFL player was accused of murdering his ex-wife and her friend after DNA was found in his Ford Bronco?

OJ Simpson

How did mitochondrial DNA help identify the remains of Nicholas Romanov?

Scientists used mitochondrial DNA analysis to identify the skeletal remains.

What was the first case where DNA profiling was used on DNA evidence?

Colin Pitchfork case

What is the name given to Joseph James DeAngelo, the serial rapist responsible for numerous murders?

The Golden State Killer

Why is DNA considered individual evidence?

Except for identical twins, no two individuals have the same DNA sequence.

What are three ways that DNA analysis can be used?

Identify unknown remains, link serial crimes, determine parentage.

What are three ways that DNA can be collected from a crime scene or victim?

Wet/dry swabbing, scraping, adhesives.

Name three of the five steps involved in the examination of DNA evidence at a forensics lab.

Extraction, Amplification, Analysis.

List six biological sources of DNA that forensic scientists can collect from a crime scene.

Blood, saliva, hair, skin cells, semen, tissue samples.

What is the method of amplification that increases the number of DNA copies?

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction).

Who developed DNA fingerprinting?

Alec Jeffreys.

What process helps establish paternity using DNA profiles?

DNA profiling.

Which suspect’s DNA matches the crime scene DNA?

Suspect 2.

Which twins belong to Mr. & Mrs. Lee if they gave birth to fraternal twins?

C1 & C5.

What technique reveals unique patterns of an individual's DNA?

DNA fingerprinting (or profiling).

What are molecules that cut DNA into fragments called?

Restriction enzymes.

What process uses an electric current to create a DNA profile?

Gel electrophoresis.

What is the DNA database that holds over 15 million DNA profiles?

CODIS.

What does CODIS stand for?

Combined DNA Index System.