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DNA profiling is a forensic technique in criminal investigations, comparing criminal suspects' profiles to DNA evidence so as to assess the likelihood of their involvement in the crime. [ 1 ] [ 2 ] It is also used in paternity testing , [ 3 ] to establish immigration eligibility, [ 4 ] and in genealogical and medical research.
Modern DNA analysis is based on the statistical calculation of the rarity of the produced profile within a population. While most well known as a tool in forensic investigations, DNA profiling can also be used for non-forensic purposes such as paternity testing and human genealogy research.
The sample can be frozen and stored while still remaining usable for later PCR. DNA requires one hour to reach the abdomen of an insect, so DNA can be amplified one to forty-four hours after an insect feeds. Some research suggests that the source of a blood meal can be determined up to two months post feeding.
Forensic DNA analysis can be a useful tool in aiding forensic identification because DNA is found in almost all cells of our bodies except mature red blood cells. Deoxyribonucleic acid is located in two different places of the cell, the nucleus; which is inherited from both parents, and the mitochondria; inherited maternally.
Forensic biology is the application of biological principles and techniques in the investigation of criminal and civil cases. [1] [2]Forensic biology is primarily concerned with analyzing biological and serological evidence in order to obtain a DNA profile, which aids law enforcement in the identification of potential suspects or unidentified remains.
The US government's own Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) database is composed of forensic evidence assessable to local, state, and federal law enforcement officials. This database consists of genetic profiles of approximately 18 million different people, however these are limited to DNA samples from convicted felons and arrestees. [26]
Forensic DNA analysis takes advantage of the uniqueness of an individual's DNA to answer forensic questions such as paternity/maternity testing and placing a suspect at a crime scene, e.g. in a rape investigation. Forensic engineering is the scientific examination and analysis of structures and products relating to their failure or cause of damage.
DNA phenotyping is used when investigators need to narrow the pool of possible individuals or identify unknown remains by learning about the person's ancestry and appearance. When the suspected individual is identified, traditional DNA profiling can be used to prove a match, provided there is a reference sample that can be used for comparison.