DNA Fingerprinting Basics
What is DNA fingerprinting used for in forensic science?
Identifying individuals based on their genetic material.
What makes every person’s DNA (except identical twins) unique?
Variations in their DNA sequences.
True or False: DNA can now be extracted from fingerprints.
true
What concern arises from law enforcement using public genealogy databases?
Privacy and consent issues.
What part of the DNA is commonly analyzed for DNA fingerprinting
Short Tandem Repeats (STRs).
What does STR stand for in DNA analysis?
Short Tandem Repeats.
How has artificial intelligence impacted crime scene analysis?
By automating pattern recognition and reducing errors
Why might DNA databases disproportionately affect minority populations
Due to racial bias in the criminal justice system.
What is the term for the technique that makes many copies of DNA for analysis?
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
What technology helps scientists compare DNA samples at crime scenes?
Gel electrophoresis or DNA sequencing.
What is the name of the process that can now analyze DNA in under 2 hours?
Rapid DNA testing
What could happen if a forensic lab contaminates DNA evidence?
It could lead to wrongful convictions.
What kind of sample can DNA be extracted from at a crime scene?
Blood, saliva, hair, skin cells
How can DNA evidence be used in court?
To confirm or eliminate a suspect’s presence at a crime scene.
How have improvements in DNA technology helped with cold cases?
By making it possible to analyze old or degraded samples.
True or False: Users of genealogy services always give informed consent for law enforcement access.
False
Why is DNA fingerprinting highly reliable in identifying individuals?
Because every person (except identical twins) has a unique DNA profile.
What part of the cell contains the DNA used in forensic testing?
The nucleus.
What breakthrough method helped identify the Golden State Killer?
Genetic genealogy.
What is one potential danger of over-relying on DNA evidence in criminal cases?
Ignoring other types of evidence or errors in interpretation.