Question

Forensic science relies heavily upon DNA evidence.

True

False

Answer 1

True

The technology of DNA fingerprinting in forensic science was developed 25 years ago which made use of the patches of DNA called minisatellites that consists of short sequences, typically about 30 base pair long in the DNA which is repeated over and over again to give chunks of DNA that can vary in the number of repeats from person to person. This original technology that looked at many of these minisatellites simultaneously to give an entirely individual specific pattern was used to solve crimes in earlier days. This technology main draw back was that the test needs large samples to be run on multiple samples, a numerous amount of times for ideal accuracy. There is a possibility for the DNA to get ruined during the process of DNA fingerprinting.

DNA profiling now became the standard forensic technology . This uses smaller short tandem repeats (STR) from a number of loci. These specific regions vary highly between people. These smaller STRs are more likely to survive DNA degradation, uses only less DNA due to the incorporation of PCR technology and thr results can be obtained in 24 hours. The pattern of fragment distribution is analysed.

Now a days this technology is used to solve crimes and also for medical problems, as DNA profile of echa individual is highly specific. Mainly the foresnsic team collects blood, hair, saliva, semen, body tissue cells from the crime site for profiling and analysis. The pattern of DNA profile of all these samples is then compared with victim and suspect and if it matches with the suspect , it can be used as a clear evidence aganist the suspect.

Forensic scientists can use DNA profiles to determine parentage too.