Forensics Science Tool: Dna

DNA: A Forensics Science Tool

Deoxyribonucleic acid commonly known as DNA is a genetic material found in the nucleus of cells in all living things. It is very useful in the world of science. Especially in the world of Forensic Science.

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) is a tool that is used daily by Forensic Scientists around the world. The discovery of DNA has been remarkable. Thanks to DNA many criminal cases worldwide have been solved. The first time DNA was used in a criminal case was in 1988 against Colin Pitchfork in the Enderby murders case. Since then it has been one of the most important tools in solving a criminal case.

DNA fingerprinting was developed to identify genetic diseases in the human body like AIDS. But soon it became a useful tool in crime solving. Every human being has a unique DNA sequence which makes it a very accurate tool in solving crimes. Forensic scientist can find DNA in blood, semen, skin, saliva or hair to identify a person. Also DNA can be obtained from personal items like hair brush, tooth brush and personal razor. People who commit certain crimes are obligated to give samples of their DNA to place them in the FBI data base. With DNA forensic Scientist can compare the DNA of the crime scene with the suspect. If the DNA matches it is possible that the suspect committed the crime.

In the United States the FBI has a DNA called the National DNA Index System. In the system lies all the DNAs of convicted criminals and DNA of the evidence found in the crime scenes.

Although DNA can be very accurate there have been cases where the DNA molecules have been altered. One example was when a doctor from Canada raped his patient in 1992 and left semen in her underwear, later when the police compared the DNA from his semen with his DNA it didn’t match because he had surgically inserted a Penrose drain into his arm and filled it with foreign blood. That