Transcript Forensics - eduBuzz.org

Forensics
(DNA Technology)
What is DNA?



DNA is the carrier of genetic information and
provides a structural plan for proteins.
It consists of linear linked nucleotides whose
sequence forms hereditary.
The DNA is in the form of a double helix and
is made up of four bases: adenine, thymine,
cytosine and guanine.
DNA Uses for Forensic Identification
DNA is used in forensics to:
 Identify potential suspects if their DNA matches DNA found at crime
scene
 Prove possible innocence of people wrongly accused of crime
 Identify crime and catastrophe victims
 Show paternity and other family relationships
 Identify endangered/protected species (can be used to prosecute
poachers)
 Detect bacteria polluting air, soil, water, food
 Match organ donors with organ receivers
 Determine pedigree
Solving Crimes



DNA can be used to identify criminals with
incredible accuracy when biological evidence
exists.
Still not used to convict people for a long time
as juries didn’t understand how the DNA
evidence proved anything.
Samples could be contaminated easily.
Fingerprinting
Any type of organism can be identified by
examination of DNA sequences. To identify
individuals, 13 DNA regions are scanned. Each
region varies from person to person. The unique
data provided by an individual is used to create a
DNA profile which is also known as their fingerprint.
There is an extremely small chance that another
person has the same DNA profile for a particular set
of regions.
CODIS Database




The COmbined DNA Index System
A database containing DNA collected from
crime scenes
Has DNA profiles of individuals convicted of
felony sex offences and other violent crimes
Uses computer software to search the DNA
profiles to match biological evidence
gathered at crime scenes.
Moral Problems



Having DNA contained in a national
database breaches confidentiality rights and
the privacy of an individual
If someone is a suspect, should forensic
teams be allowed to collect DNA samples
without the person knowing?
Can DNA from dead persons be collected or
registered, as they cannot be suspected or
prosecuted?
Future Applications

To have everybody’s DNA and fingerprint on
a database
–
–
This comes back to Moral Issues, some people
feel it is against their rights to have their DNA and
fingerprints on file.
Although this could prevent most crimes from
happening in the first place as if everybody’s DNA
and fingerprints are on file the offender is more
likely to be caught.
The End
Thanks for your time!
Any Questions?