Hello and welcome back folks to another episode of STEM on the Streets! If you are new here, my name is Aiza and this is my partner CAI (crime Ai), together we stroll through the criminal-ridden streets of STEM!
If you haven't read the previous episode, click on the link to read it!
Today, we'll be peering into the one and only forensic DNA analysis! I am so excited!
(✿◡‿◡) CAI: Yes, I can tell how excited you are- you're practically bouncing in your seat.
Oh, but c'mon CAI, don't tell me you aren't excited either!
(✿◡‿◡) CAI: Hmmm, I don't know, I think cyber forensics was better.
Pfft- I'll make you change your mind after this episode!
DNA
Let's start from the very basics, to understand what forensic DNA analysis is, you need to know what DNA is. So DNA stands for Deoxyribonucleic acid- a tongue-twister, the type that makes your eyebrows wiggle- and is, in simpler terms, genetic material which is the material that decides your characteristics or traits.
(✿◡‿◡) CAI: Eyebrows wiggle? How does that make your eyebrows wiggle?
I don't know but it makes my eyebrows wiggle- now back on track!
DNA or Deoxyribonucleic acid is a type of nucleic acid which means that it is made it made of long chains of nucleotides (nucleotides have genetic information encoded within them). The nucleotide information isn't as important as usual they are indirectly analyzed instead of being individually analysed. DNA is shaped as a double helix, as shown in the picture, now this shape is really fascinating, and so is the story behind it, but let's not go there, the double helix shape is important because it aids in the replication of the strands of DNA (by unwinding) during cell division! Isn't that so cool?!
(✿◡‿◡) CAI: It is super cool!
So now that we know that we know what DNA is let's get into forensic DNA analysis!
Forensic DNA Analysis
When you add 'forensic' to any sort of science (pathology, toxicology, botany, etc.) it just means that the principles and techniques are being used to aid in solving crime, so forensic DNA analysis is just DNA analysis being used to solve crime.
Now that we know that, DNA analysis is analyzing and interpreting genetic material or DNA forensic DNA analysis is DNA analysis which is used to aid in solving crimes. Forensic DNA analysis can aid in identifying the perpetrator or identifying the victim. Forensic DNA analysis usually uses specific scientific techniques to extract, purify, and analyze DNA from samples that have been collected from crime scenes, victims, and suspects in the forms of bodily fluids or materials (blood, tissues, bones, saliva, semen, hair, and other bodily fluids). Here are some forms of analysis:
DNA sequencing
polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
STR (short tandem repeat) analysis
A bit about the process
Upon the extraction of the DNA from the sample, it is analyzed to create or produce a DNA profile of the individual whose DNA was collected. This profile is usually produced by comparing the collected sample’s genotype to a known reference sample within the database or from a suspect. These profiles can be used and compared to identify relationships between people, siblings, parents, and children or to determine the presence or absence of a suspect at a crime scene.
Well, that is all for today's short introduction! Until next time!!
This is Aiza Jamil signing out!
I am a forensics sleuth, what's your mystery to solve?
wow