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DNA Profiling & Fingerprints
DNA Profiling & Fingerprints
Introduction
● DNA profiling – the process of determining an individual’s DNA characteristics
● How does it work?
○ Uses repetitive sequences of DNA called variable number random repeats (VNTR) or short tandem
repeats (STR)
○ To identify, the forensic scientists scan 13 DNA region (loci) & create a DNA profile for that individual
(DNA fingerprint)
○ There’s a very slim chances to that another individual has the same DNA profile for a specific set of 13
locis
Method
● Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) Analysis
○ Isolation
○ Quantization
○ Digestion
○ Electrophoresis
○ Transfer
○ Hybridisation
○ Autoradiography
● Short Tandem Repeat (STR) Analysis
● Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Analysis
○ Isolation
○ Amplification
■ Denaturation
■ Annealing – primers
■ Extension
○ Detection
FINGERPRINTS
Introduction
● Fingerprints – impression of patterns formed by the papillary ridges on the bulbs of fingers
○ Difference from the skin covering the rest of the body
■ Hairless, has no oil glands or pigments
■ Has papillary ridges, arranged in specific pattern → causing uniqueness
■ Higher concentration of sweat glands – contribute mainly to the fingerprint residues
● Dactylography – the scientific study of fingerprints as a means of identification
○ Also known as: dermatoglyphic
○ Dactyloscopy
○ Galton system
○ Fingerprint study
Basic formation in a fingerprint
Occur when the fingers Prints left on soft Impression not usually Prints of those people who
have been coated with materials e.g. wax, soap, visible had access to the item or
blood, grease, dirt or dust Made visible by chemical area
dust leaving prints on the agents
weapon used for the crime Can be preserved by lifting
that may be touched by the them up on an
criminal adhesive/gum tape
Can also be found on
highly reflective surfaces
Advantages of fingerprint
● It is applicable to persons of all ages
● It can be obtained even after peeling of epidermis due to putrefaction or immersion (presents also in dermis)
● Absolute identification is possible
● No special training or expensive instruments are necessary
● The print can be transmitted from one place to another by a code message