DNA and Forensics

1. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is a molecule that contains all the information to determine who you are and what you look like. DNA and Forensics • First discovered by Friedrich Miescher in Germany around 1869. • In 1953, Francis Crick and James Watson discovered that DNA is shaped like a ladder coiled into a 'double helix' shape.

2. DNA and Forensics DNA is found in the nucleus of every cell in your body and of every other living organism. • DNA is the molecule that chromosomes are made of. • Smaller sections of chromosomes are called genes.

3. DNA and Forensics Genes pass hereditary information from parents to children which are called traits. Traits are what make the physical appearance of parents and children look similar.

4. DNA and Forensics Which traits occur at a higher frequency?silar traits to your classmates?

5. DNA Profiling (genetic fingerprinting) DNA profiling is probably the most important discovery for use in forensics since fingerprinting. It can prove a person’s identity, except in the case of identical twins.

6. DNA Profiling (genetic fingerprinting) DNA profiling uses genetic markerswhich is a gene or DNA sequence with a known location on a chromosome that can be used to identify individuals.

7. DNA Profiling (genetic fingerprinting) DNA is found in almost every cell and as such can be collected from any biological contact trace. • White blood cells contain DNA, mature red blood cells don’t • Hair follicles at the base of Only hairs that have been • Urine doesn’t contain DNA but it may contain cells that do

8. CSI Exercise • Google: CSI experience web adventures • Click on ‘Case One: Rookie Training’ • Select ‘Play as Guest’ then ‘Start’ • Select ‘Forensic Biology’ • Select ‘Follow Greg’ and complete all three exercises and quiz