DNA Profiling/ Fingerprinting

DNA fingerprinting

method of determining an individuals DNA characteristics to identify and compare genetic differences. It is commonly used in forensic science and paternity testing.

two ways in which DNA profiling is used

identify suspects and determining paternity in criminal investigations.

Timeline of DNA

1953 - Watson & Crick identify double helix

1985 - Alec Jefferys isolated DNA markers for profiling

1986 - Pitchfork was 1st person convicted based on DNA evidence

1994 - Federal Law established for DNA database and analysis

1998- CODIS and NDIS created for national DNA database

2003- Crime Scene DNA was partially matched to familial DNA (used family members' DNA for identification)

ethical issues with DNA fingerprinting

concerns regarding privacy, consent, and potential misuse of genetic information.

environmental impacts on DNA evidence

factors such as degradation, contamination, and preservation affecting the integrity of DNA samples.

role of PCR (polymerse chain reaction) in DNA analysis

PCR is a technique used to amplify small segments of DNA, making it easier to analyze and identify genetic material in various applications, including forensic science.

how can DNA evidence lead to miscarriages of justice

DNA evidence can lead to miscarriages of justice due to issues such as contamination, misinterpretation of results, or reliance on faulty databases, which may result in wrongful convictions.

difference between mitochondria DNA and nuclear DNA

Mitochondrial DNA is inherited maternally and is found outside the cell nucleus, while nuclear DNA is inherited from both parents and resides within the cell nucleus.

explain the utility of STR over DNA charities

Short Tandem Repeats (STR) are useful in forensic analysis because they provide a more precise and reliable method for identifying individuals compared to DNA barcoding, allowing for better discrimination between samples.

limitations of DNA fingerprinting profiling that forensic scientist must consider

Forensic scientists must consider limitations such as the potential for low-quality samples, the possibility of non-unique profiles in closely related individuals, and the impact of environmental factors on DNA degradation.

consider contamination and how it can affect DNA evidence’s admissibility in court

Contamination refers to the introduction of foreign DNA into a sample, which can compromise the integrity of the evidence and lead to misidentification. Forensic scientists must ensure that DNA samples are collected, handled, and analyzed in a way that minimizes contamination to maintain their admissibility in court.

real- world application of DNA outside of forensic

Ancestry and checking for genetic conditions

describe how genealogy is used in tandem with DNA fingerprinting in forensic science

Genealogy uses family history and relationships to identify potential relatives of a suspect or victim through DNA matches. This process can help narrow down suspects or identify individuals in forensic cases by linking genetic information to familial connections.

steps of DNA extraction

involves cell lysis, separation of DNA from proteins and contaminants, and precipitation of pure DNA for analysis.

Steps of PCR amplification

include denaturation, annealing, and extension to replicate DNA segments.

Steps of Gel electrophoresis

involve loading DNA samples into a gel matrix, applying an electric current to separate fragments by size, and visualizing the results to analyze the DNA.