Dna And The Structure And Function Of Dna

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Recommended: DNA as an investigative tool

Deoxyribonucleic acid or more commonly known as DNA can be utilized to identify criminals with unbelievable precision when biological evidence exists. Not only this but, DNA can be utilized to prove suspects innocent and redeem mistakenly accused or those convicted of crimes can be let free. It is vital to understand the structure and function of DNA and how this relates to DNA investigation in forensic science. It is essential to understand the basics of deoxyribonucleic acid like the structure and function. Having this information creates a better understanding of how forensic scientists use DNA to identify people when biological evidence exists.
The structure of DNA may seem complicated, but the basic structure is that it is found in the nucleus. Deoxyribonucleic acid is a long molecule that contains organisms unique genetic code and this is in part why forensic scientists are able to identify people. According to Advancing Justice Through DNA Technology, "It is part of a genome and holds instructions for making all the proteins in an organism." (Lynch, 2014). DNA is a double-helix with two strands running in opposing directions. It is read from a 5 ' to 3 ' direction. Every chain is a polymer with subunits referred to as nucleotides. Every strand has a deoxyribose sugar backbone molecules linked together by a phosphate group.
DNA is a two-stranded molecule with a double helix shape. It is made up of four parts (nucleotides), stringed together and of these four parts there are two classifications: purine and pyrimidine. The four parts are the adenine, thymine, guanine and cytosine. The adenine is always attached to thymine and guanine and cytosine is always attached.
The function of DNA is that is stores organisms ge...

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... meaning there is a smaller chance two people will share a DNA profile. However, such figures can only ever be estimations and don 't take certain factors into consideration, such as biological relatives.
Deoxyribonucleic acid can be used to clear suspects and absolve those mistakenly blamed or found guilty of crimes they did not commit. By the same token, it can recognize culprits with unbelievable precision when biological proof exists. Having prior knowledge to the structure and function of DNA creates a better understanding of how forensic scientists use DNA to identify people when biological evidence exists and why DNA has become an incredible technological advancement, not only to have a better understanding of oneself but a better understanding of how similar and different individuals are. These differences are the key to catching and defending individuals.

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