DNA Forensics
Gabby Lacobie and Kaylee Smith
DNA Fingerprinting
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) fingerprinting - A test to identify and evaluate the genetic information called DNA in a person's cells. DNA fingerprinting, also called DNA typing, DNA profiling, genetic fingerprinting, genotyping, or identity testing.
Fun Fact-DNA Fingerprinting has saved 329 wrongfully convicted people, including 18 who spent time on death row.
Who invented DNA Forensics?
How is DNA used to identify people?
To identify a person using DNA, forensic investigators first have to create a genetic profile of the DNA. A genetic profile is a set of numbers that specifically to the person. To do this they must break down the DNA and look for repeating genes. Since humans share 99% of their DNA, the investigators are looking for Short Tandem Repeats, also known as STR, which vary in between individuals. Because a person inherits different genes from each parent, the likely hood of two unrelated people having the same pattern is highly improbable.
Taking the Genetic Profile one step further
DNA Sequencing Machine
DNA
Scientists analyzing DNA
Citeations
http://www.britannica.com/science/DNA-fingerprinting
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/12/science/12quan.html?_r=0
http://www.sfu.museum/forensics/eng/pg_media-media_pg/adn-dna/
http://geneed.nlm.nih.gov/images/dna_fingerprinting_sm.jpg
http://www.news-medical.net/image.axd?picture=2011%2F11%2FMiSeq+Personal+Sequencing+System.jpg
https://www.fbi.gov/about-us/lab/biometric-analysis/federal-dna-database