Objectives
What is forensic science? How and when did forensics begin? When was DNA identification discovered? What is DNA identification used to determine? What exactly are forensic scientist looking for? What is the process does DNA identification involve? How are criminals processed? What is the outlook for the future?
Forensic Science
Process of gathering and examining evidence of a crime First practiced forensic medicine in 1958 Italy Application of medical knowledge to legal questions
Unique Identifiers
Fingerprints
When a persons hand touched a surface, it left a barely visible mark Each persons fingerprint is a unique identifier of that person, no two peoples are alike
DNA
Genetic material that is found in DNA is also a unique identifier Not until1985 when DNA became part of forensic science
DNA Identification
Uses
Investigations of criminal cases involving victims
Assault Kidnapping Robbery Rape Murder
Catastrophe victims Paternity/family relationships Identify endangered and protected species Detect bacteria/organisms that may pollute the air, water, food, and soil Match organ donors with recipients Determine pedigree for seed/livestock breeds Authenticate consumables such as caviar and wine
The chance that any two peoples DNA fingerprint for a particular set of regions is exceptionally small
1/10th of a single % of DNA, about 3 million bp, differ from one person to the next
The Process
Isolation Quantifying Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Short Tandem Repeat-Polymerase Chain RepeatReaction (STR-PCR) (STR Interpretation Database
Isolation
Scientist extract DNA from the nucleus of cells in tissue Quality of tissue DNA samples degrades as body decomposes 1-4 hours
Quantifying
Tests are run to determine the amount of DNA recovered Targeted amount 1 nanogram (billionth of a gram) If inadequate quantity, isolation must be repeated 1-2 hours
STRSTR-PCR
Mainly same process Focus solely on STR regions Since these repeat regions are usually bounded by specific restriction enzyme sites, it is possible to cut out the segment of the chromosome
Capillary Electrophoresis
Interpretation
A DNA scientist reviews the DNA profile produced through the capillary electrophoresis to determine if there is a match STR markers are examined (2-5 bp) (2 1-3 are not enough to determine is the sample came from the suspect 4-5, beyond a reasonable doubt 5 very rare
Forensic Index
DNA profiles developed from crime scene evidence
The Future
March 2004: President Bush proposed $1 billion in funding over the next 5 years
Reduce DNA testing backlog Build crime lab capacity Stimulate research and development Support training Protect the innocent Identify missing persons