DNA and Crime Investigation Essay - 2149 Words

DNA is deoxyribonucleic acid, which is found in almost all living things. DNA serves as a code for the creation and maintenance of new cells within an organism. Within humans, it is found in almost every cell. Although most of our DNA is found within the nucleus of our cells as nuclear DNA, a very small amount of our DNA is also found within the mitochondria as mitochondrial DNA. Because mitochondrial DNA is generally not used for solving crimes, for the purpose of this paper it will be disregarded. DNA is a long curved structure, made up of pairs of four specific bases: adenine, guanine, cytosine, and thymine, is the repository of a code from which all of our cells are made. The code is made up of base pairs which look like the†¦show more content†¦Although DNA was initially observed by Frederich Miescher, a German biochemist near the end of the nineteenth century, the key to the structure of DNA was not discovered until almost a hundred years later. It was at that time that science realized the importance of DNA to the study of biology. In 1953 four scientists: James Watson, Francis Crick, Maurice Wilkins and Rosalind Franklin completed a DNA model which they created using observed X-ray diffraction patterns. This model showed how the structure of DNA was able to transmit genetic information from parents to their offspring. The work of these four people led to a complete restructuring of the beliefs of the scientific community regarding genetic information. Their initial word led to further work which encompassed their hypothesis of how DNA replicates itself. From this work came the modern technologies of DNA fingerprinting and sequencing. DNA fingerprinting is a technique that is used to determine how likely it is whether genetic material came from a specific person or family group. Since 99% of human DNA is identical, that means that it is only 1% of our DNA which is different, and it is that 1% that we look at when we are attempting to determine the origin of a DNA sample. Enzymes are applied to DNA to break it into smaller pieces which are called restriction endonucleases. These restriction endonucleases becomeShow MoreRelatedThe Role of Dna Technology in Crime Investigation5441 Words   |  22 PagesDNA profiling DNA profiling (also called DNA testing, DNA typing, or genetic fingerprinting) is a technique employed by forensic scientists to assist in the identification of individuals on the basis of their respective DNA profiles. DNA profiles are encrypted sets of numbers that reflect a persons DNA makeup, which can also be used as the persons identifier. DNA profiling should not be confused with full genome sequencing. It is used in, for example, parental testing and rape investigationRead MoreEssay on Criminal Investigations1096 Words   |  5 PagesCriminal Investigations are ways that crimes are looked at and criminals arrested (In Encyclopà ¦dia Britannica, 2011). It is a huge part of getting criminals off the street. Investigation is a crucial aspect for many different crimes such as, but not limited to, theft, robbery, burglary, arson, murder, and assault. Criminal Investigations can take days or up to many years to solve; some cases are never closed. Not only can investigat ions last for extended periods of time, the lives of those workingRead MoreDna And The Criminal Justice System872 Words   |  4 PagesDeoxyribonucleic Acid, otherwise known as DNA has played a crucial part in many investigations both past and present. It can be used to identify criminals when there is evidence left behind with incredible accuracy. DNA evidence is taken seriously enough that it can exonerate, or bring about a conviction. In Today’s society DNA evidence and technology is vital to the criminal justice system by ensuring accuracy and fairness. In 1984, Alec Jeffreys of the University of LeicesterRead MoreEssay about DNA, The New Crime Investigator1358 Words   |  6 PagesDNA, The New Crime Investigator Abstract What is DNA? The scientific definition is â€Å"deoxyribonucleic acid, the biological polymer that stores the genetic information in all free living organisms. Two linear molecules entwine to form the double helix. Now that the definition has been stated, let’s now define what DNA means to a crime scene or case investigator. In the law enforcement business DNA has been introduce as a revolutionary and efficient accurate tool to solve and crack modern andRead MoreThe Molecular Structure Of Dna1371 Words   |  6 Pagesâ€Å"Deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA is the molecule that transports most genetic instructions utilized in the growth, function and biological process of all living organisms and many viruses.† (Merriam-Webster Dictionary) It was first discovered at the University of Tà ¼bingen by Friedrich Miescher in 1869. Miescher discovered DNA through a microscopic substrate in a sample of pus on unwanted surgical gauze. (Dahm) Nature is a scientific journal in Britain, where studies and academic research in scientificRead MoreThe Effectiveness of DNA Profiling in Forensics Essay684 Words   |  3 Pagesgreatly enhanced by technology. DNA profiling is one of the technologies that has influenced efficiency and credibility of forensic evidence. The FBI first started using DNA in one of its cases in 1988. In Europe, the United Kingdom opened a DNA database in 1955 (Milena, 2006). The main use of the DNA is to compare the evidence collected at crime scene with the suspects. In addition, it helps to establish a connection between the evidence and the criminals. The investigations have been simplified throughRead MoreA Brief Look at DNA Profiling1366 Words   |  6 PagesDNA profiling has several advantages in helping solve crimes, however, there are still disadvantages to this technique. DNA profiling can be beneficial, as well as detrimental to the society we live in. DNA profiling has become the most widely used tool in the field of forensics because of the advantages it has to offer, although there are some drawbacks when it comes to utilizing this technique. DNA profiling has greatly enhanced law enforcement investigation by helping determine the suspect inRead MoreDna Fingerprinting1159 Words   |  5 PagesShould all people convicted of a crime have their DNA fingerprints stored on a database? A DNA fingerprint is the same for every cell, organ and tissue in an organism. DNA fingerprinting has many uses, some of which include providing the evidence needed to solve criminal investigations, determining genetic relationships and solving paternity disputes. DNA fingerprinting has many benefits in the use of criminal investigations as it can provide the evidence to solve crimes and current mysteries, can freeRead MoreInvestigating The Investigation Of The Police Officers1587 Words   |  7 Pagesresults will conclude the investigation and give the police officers; they need in order to solve this case. For the investigation to be successful DNA profiles must be created. Creating a DNA profile can be complicated, and a few simple mistakes can ruin the whole profile. The whole process of creating a DNA profile begins with obtaining the DNA samples. Once the samples are within possession they must go through the process of electrophoresis. This process will allow the DNA to form bands that reflectRead MoreThe Importance of Dna Evidence1575 Words   |  7 PagesThe Importance of DNA Evidence What is DNA? Is it these winding strands that look like ladders or is it what gives a person blonde hair and blue eyes? Actually, DNA is both of these things. DNA is a person’s genetic makeup–their hereditary blueprint passed on by their parents. It is a part of almost every cell in the human body. In each cell, a person’s DNA is the same; it stays the same throughout their lifetime. DNA is found in skin tissue, sweat, bone, the root and shaft of hair, earwax, mucus