Forensic DNA Analysis

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to forensic DNA analysis discussed in the lecture.

Restriction Enzymes

Proteins that cut DNA at specific sequences, used in DNA analysis.

Variable Number Tandem Repeats (VNTRs)

Regions of DNA where a short nucleotide sequence is organized as a tandem repeat.

Short Tandem Repeats (STRs)

Short sequences of DNA (usually 2-6 bases) that are repeated multiple times in a row.

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)

A technique used to amplify specific DNA sequences, enabling more analysis.

Microsatellites

Another name for short tandem repeats (STRs), typically less than 10 bases in length.

Heterozygous

Having two different alleles for a specific gene.

Homozygous

Having two identical alleles for a specific gene.

CODIS (Combined DNA Index System)

A national database for DNA profiles from crime scenes and convicted offenders.

Loci

Specific locations on a chromosome where particular genes or genetic markers are found.

Familial DNA matching

DNA profiling technique used to find relatives of DNA donors, often used in criminal investigations.

SNPs (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms)

Variations at a single position in a DNA sequence among individuals.

Mitochondrial DNA

DNA inherited from the mother, useful for tracing maternal lineage.

Y-chromosome DNA

DNA located on the Y chromosome, used to trace paternal lineage.

Amplification

The process of producing many copies of a specific DNA sequence for analysis.

Electrophoresis

A laboratory technique for separating DNA fragments based on size.

DNA phenotyping

A process that predicts physical traits from DNA evidence.

BTK Killer

A serial killer known for his brutal crimes in Kansas between 1974 and 1991.

Partial Match

A DNA profile that shares some but not all markers with a known profile, often indicating a familial relationship.

Strand Slippage

A mechanism that can cause variations in the number of repeats in microsatellites.

Ancestry DNA tests

Genetic testing aimed at determining genealogical relationships based on DNA.