The Use of DNA in Forensics

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The Use of DNA in Forensics

DNA (noun) [deoxyribonucleic acid] first appeared 1944 : any of various nucleic acids that are usually the molecular basis of heredity, are localized especially in cell nuclei, and are constructed of a double helix held together by hydrogen bonds between purine and pyrimidine bases which project inward from two chains containing alternate links of deoxyribose and phosphate.

What is forensics?

fo*ren*sic [1] (adjective)

First appeared 1659

1 : belonging to, used in, or suitable to courts of judicature or to public discussion and debate.

2 : ARGUMENTATIVE, RHETORICAL.

3 : relating to or dealing with the application of scientific knowledge to legal problems *~ medicine* *~ science* *~ pathologist* *~ experts*.1

How are the two related?

DNA can be used to identify an individual. In relation to forensics, when there is a crime investigation and some proof is needed to back up the suspect DNA is usually the way that scientist deal with the situation. Specialized forensic scientists scan about ten DNA regions that vary from person to person and use the data to create a DNA profile for that individual. This is effective because there is a very small chance that another individual has the same DNA profile in the same set of regions.

DNA can be used for many other things besides for committing a suspect. It can also free a person wrongly accused of a crime, identify crime and catastrophe victims ,establish paternity and other family relationships ,detect bacteria and other organisms that may pollute air, water, soil, and food ,and even match organ donors with recipients in transplant programs .

How effective is DNA in identifying a person?

DNA identification must be used intellige...

... middle of paper ...

...to test for drug use.

Products of Conception-

When a teenaged girl has been impregnated by a relative or other adults the non-living product must be analyzed. As well as in a rape or anything resulting in pregnancy.

How did the forensic use of DNA start?

Alec Jeffreys , a geneticist at the University of Leicester in Britains Midlands,

started forensic use of DNA. He invented the techniques that took human identification from the laboratory to the courtroom in 1984. He called the process "DNA fingerprinting" which is not used by most forensic scientists because it can be misleading. He applied his techniques to an immigration case. A boy from Ghana wanted to emigrate to Britain, claiming his mother was already a resident. A DNA analysis showed that the two were in fact related and the Home Office put its stamp of approval on the new technology.

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