Genetics and Crime: Forensic Science Fundamentals

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to forensic science and genetics in crime investigations.

Forensic Science

The application of scientific methods and techniques to the investigation of crime.

DNA Profiling

A technique used to identify individuals by their unique DNA characteristics.

Restriction Enzymes

Bacterial proteins that cut DNA at specific sequences, used in DNA analysis.

RFLP (Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism)

A technique that involves the variation in the length of DNA fragments produced by restriction enzyme digestion.

VNTR (Variable Number Tandem Repeat)

Regions of DNA where a short nucleotide sequence is repeated a variable number of times among individuals.

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)

A method used to amplify small segments of DNA, making millions of copies of a specific DNA sequence.

Electrophoresis

A laboratory technique used to separate DNA fragments by size through a gel matrix.

Exonerate

To clear someone of blame or fault, especially after being wrongfully convicted.

Colin Pitchfork

The first person in the UK to be convicted of a crime based on DNA evidence.

Alec Jeffreys

The scientist who developed DNA profiling techniques and used them in forensic science.