Trace Evidence II - Forensic Analysis Overview

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to trace evidence analysis, including mitochondrial DNA, paint and glass analysis, and the case of Anastasia.

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)

A type of DNA found in mitochondria, passed down from mother to child, used in hair analysis.

Nuclear DNA

DNA that can allow individualization, unlike mitochondrial DNA.

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)

A type of DNA found in mitochondria, passed down from mother to child, used in hair analysis.

Nuclear DNA

DNA that can allow individualization, unlike mitochondrial DNA.

Anastasia

The Grand Duchess of Russia rumored to have survived the execution of the Romanov family.

Flotation Method

A technique for comparing glass densities by suspending glass in a liquid.

Becke Line

A bright halo appearing around a glass particle immersed in a liquid medium of different refractive index.

Refractive Index

A measure of how much light is bent when passing through a medium, vital for glass comparison.

Pyrolysis gas chromatography

A technique for distinguishing paint binder formulations by decomposing solid materials.

PDQ Database

A database containing information on automotive paint to assist in forensic analysis.

Soil Evidence

Evidence derived from soil, useful for connecting a suspect to a crime scene based on its transferability.

Paint Comparison

The forensic analysis involved comparing paint samples from questioned and known specimens.