DudleyK+Forensic+DNA+Notes

http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/elsi/forensics.shtml

http://library.thinkquest.org/28599/courtroom.htm

Strengths, Limits, and Controversies Over DNA Testing http://www.vivo.colostate.edu/hbooks/genetics/medgen/dnatesting/dnatest_pcs.html

DNA Polymorphisms: The Basis of DNA Typing http://www.vivo.colostate.edu/hbooks/genetics/medgen/dnatesting/dnatest_poly.html

Techniques for DNA Testing http://www.vivo.colostate.edu/hbooks/genetics/medgen/dnatesting/dnatest_tech.html

Applications of DNA Testing http://www.vivo.colostate.edu/hbooks/genetics/medgen/dnatesting/dnatest_apps.html

DNA Typing http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=5141&page=11

Genetic Principles http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=5141&page=12 http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=5141&page=13 Forensic DNA Identification http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=5141&page=13 Variable Numbers of Tandem Repeats (VNTRs) http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=5141&page=65 DNA Profiling http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=5141&page=15 http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=5141&page=16 http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=5141&page=17 http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=5141&page=18

Genetic and Molecular Basis of DNA Typing http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=5141&page=60

PCR- Based Methods http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=5141&page=69 http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=5141&page=70 http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=5141&page=71 http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=5141&page=72 http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=5141&page=73 Conclusions: DNA analysis is one of the greatest technical achievements for criminal investigation since the discovery of fingerprints. Methods of DNA profiling are firmly grounded in molecular technology. When profiling is done with appropriate care, the results are highly reproducible. In particular, the methods are almost certain to exclude an innocent suspect.

One of the most widely used techniques today involves VNTRs. These loci are extremely variable, but individual alleles cannot be distinguished, because of intrinsic measurement variability, and the analysis requires statistical procedures. It involves radioactivity and requires a month or more for full analysis. PCR-based methods are prompt, require only a small amount of material, and can yield unambiguous identification of individual alleles. Various PCR methods, particularly STRs, are increasingly being used.

The state of the profiling technology and the methods for estimating frequencies and related statistics have progressed to the point where the admissibility of properly collected and analyzed DNA data should not be in doubt. We expect continued development of new and better methods and hope for prompt validation so that they can quickly be brought into use.