DNA, The New Crime Investigator

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DNA, The New Crime Investigator

Abstract

What is DNA? The scientific definition is “deoxyribonucleic acid, the biological polymer that stores the genetic information in all free living organisms. Two linear molecules entwine to form the double helix. Now that the definition has been stated, let’s now define what DNA means to a crime scene or case investigator. In the law enforcement business DNA has been introduce as a revolutionary and efficient accurate tool to solve and crack modern and cold cases. It also has played major roles in courtrooms through out the nation on either proven guilt, or revealing the truth behind the innocence on the wrongly accused and convicted by our own court system. DNA has also brought justice to those who have been brutally victimized of rape and sexual abuse by atrocious conniving sex predators.

DNA the New Crime Investigator

“DNA was discovered in 1868”, around the same time that the laws of heredity were being written by Gregor Mendel which laid the foundation for the modern science of genetics. A major break through which eventually made possible forensic uses of DNA occurred in the early 1950’s when James Watson and Francis Crick solved the puzzle of DNA’s structure and precipitated the revolution in molecular biology which followed. By solving the puzzle they made this foundation of our modern DNA analyzes used in today’s forensic science. (2)

Some of the characteristics that make DNA unique on its uses are:

• Each person has a unique DNA profile

• Each person’s DNA is the same in every cell

• An individual’s DNA profile remains the same through out life

• Most DNA is the same from person t...

... middle of paper ...

...te search through the backlog system of CODIS.

References

1. DNA—the Forensic Tool of the '90s. ( 2008). In Britannica Book of the Year, 2000. Retrieved January 21, 2008, from Encyclopedia Britannica Online; http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9342341

2. Coleman, H., Swenson, E. (1994). DNA in the Courtroom a Trail Watcher's Guide. Seattle, Washington; GeneLex Press.

3. Lyman, M. D. (2008). Criminal Investigation The art and the science, 5th edition. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey; Prentice Hall.

4. Owen, D. (2000). Hidden Evidence. Buffalo, New York; Firefly books (U.S.) Inc.

5. Plot, R. (2003). Crime Scene the Ultimate Guide to Forensic Science. New York, New York; DK publishing Inc.

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