DNA forensics uses genetic material in criminal investigations, as well as tracking foodborne outbreaks, identifying endangered species, and tracing human history. DNA sequencing can identify individuals through unique markers, and samples from crime scenes can be compared to suspects’ DNA. While useful, DNA forensics is not a magic wand and is used in conjunction with other investigation techniques.
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) forensics is a branch of forensic science that focuses on the use of genetic material in criminal investigations. In addition to witnessing human crimes such as rape and murder, DNA forensics can also be used to track foodborne outbreaks, identify endangered species in shipments of contraband, and trace the history of humans around the world. among other things. Employment in DNA forensics is incredibly diverse, though it can be competitive, thanks to television shows like CSI that have piqued public interest in DNA forensics.
DNA is a nucleic acid that contains genetic information. All organisms carry varying amounts of DNA, and the substance contains a large amount of material that determines things like how many toes the organism will have or what color its hair or fur will be. Laboratory techniques can be used to identify and isolate DNA and then sequence it. DNA sequencing involves determining the order of the four nucleotides in a string of DNA. Several labs have focused on sequencing all of an organism’s DNA in an effort to learn more about all members of its species.
In addition to being used to learn more about a species in general, DNA sequencing can also be used to identify specific individuals. In humans, there are approximately 13 regions of DNA that can be used to identify someone, as they differ greatly from person to person. These regions or markers are very useful tools when a crime has been committed, as they can set someone on the scene or exonerate someone else.
In DNA forensics, laboratory personnel collect samples from a crime scene and analyze them, or put them in safe storage so they can be used later. These samples include obvious biological material such as blood and hair found at the crime scene, along with nail scrapings from the victim. They can be used to gather information about the perpetrator, and if a suspect is identified, samples of his DNA can be collected for comparison. This is sometimes called a “DNA fingerprint,” because it takes advantage of the unique fingerprint of DNA markers that every human being has.
TV shows often extol the role of DNA forensics in criminal investigations. While it’s certainly an effective and useful tool, it’s not a magic wand. Criminal investigators use this forensic field as a supplement to numerous other criminal investigation techniques in hopes of identifying and punishing criminals.
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