Chapter 18
Solving Mysteries Using DNA
IN THIS CHAPTER
Generating DNA fingerprints
Using DNA to match criminals to crimes
Identifying persons using DNA from family members
Forensics pops up in every cop drama and murder mystery on television these days, but what is forensics used for in the real world? Generally, forensics is thought of as the science used to capture and convict criminals; it includes everything from determining the source of carpet fibers and hairs to paternity testing. Technically, forensics is the application of scientific methods for legal purposes. Thus, forensic genetics is the exploration of DNA evidence — who is it, who did it, and who’s your daddy.
Just as each person has their own unique fingerprint, every human (with the exception of identical twins) is genetically unique. DNA fingerprinting, also known as DNA profiling, is the process of uncovering the patterns within DNA. DNA fingerprinting is at the heart of forensic genetics and is often used to:
- Confirm that a person was present at a particular location.
- Determine identity (including sex).
- Assign paternity.
In this chapter, you step inside the DNA lab to discover how scientists solve forensic ...
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