LECTURES IN FORENSIC MEDICINE

DNA PROFILING AND DNA FINGER PRINTING

(DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID)
-the most powerful and reliable tool or instrument in forensic scientists human
identification armory
DNA- largely determines our physical characteristic s , although much depends on the way in
which environmental factors affect the way genes are expressed in the individual.
-half of the nuclear DNA is inherited from our fathers and half from our mothers while
entire mitochondrial DNA is from our mothers
-certain stretches are unique to an individual and no one else will have the same DNA in
that particular stretch, except identical twins.
-cells genetic material found in Chromatin which are the helical coiled threads found in
the nucleus of each cell
-arranged to form 46 pairs of chromosomes , including one pair of sex chromosomes

DNA MOLECULE- long double helix resembling a spiral staircase

Steps of DNA staircase- determines the persons genetic code
-contains 4 types of molecules called Bases of Adenine paired with Thymine, and
Guanine paired with Cytosine

DNA FINGERPRINTING- modern available method of identification
-sequence of DNA bonds is ascertained and compared with the DNA samples taken from
the crime scene or from the same victim or accused
-accurate but expensive
-useless without something to compare

MITOCHONDRIAL DNA ANALYSIS- most readily available form of identification, since there are
hundreds of thousands of copies of mitochondria present per cell as compared with the
cytoplasmic DNA per cell





DNA HAIR ANALYSIS- another source of individual identification
- Hair is one of the most frequently found forms of biological evidence at a crime scene
or from the victim and the accused
- Minute quantities of DNA are found in hair and can be increased using the
POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION , which can copy make millions of a DNA fragment

GENE AMPLIFICATION- copy making of a DNA fragment, makes enough DNA available from the
fragment being studied to permit analysis
- can also be applied to blood, semen or any nucleated tissue, when sample is too small


OTHER SAMPLES THAT CAN BE USED:
-Live tissue and blood- best materials
-autopsy samples- can be used as long as marked putrefactive changes have not
occurred to destroy the chromatin

5 to 15 centiliters of blood sample can be examined in the laboratory but if there is an expected
delay in the transfer of the DNA sample to the laboratory, it must be stored in a plastic bag and
frozen solid at minus 20 degrees centigrade to prevent autolytic breakdown of nuclear DNA.

Recently, several molecular biologists have questioned the validity of DNA analysis, they say
DNA fingerprints can stretch and shift like a design printed on a rubber allegedly altering the
bond sequence of the DNA, making it impossible to ascertain by less experienced laboratory
Technicians.

Molecular biologists believe that the use of DNA evidence works because it relies on the
genetically accepted fact that each individual has distinct patterns of DNA bond sequences.

SOME ISSUES OF THE ADMISSIBILITY OF DNA EVIDENCE IN CRIMINAL CASES OF RAPE:
1. How samples were collected
2. How samples were handled
3. Possibility of contamination of samples
4. Procedure followed in analyzing the samples- proper standards and procedures
5. Qualifications of the analyst who is conducting the test








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