Human Forensic DNA Analysis Process Map

SUMMARY

Forensic DNA analysis is based on the principles of genetics and molecular biology (Daeid et al., 2021). Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), is the genetic material that contains the instructions needed for successful forensic DNA analysis because of its uniqueness from one individual to another, except for identical twins (Fernando and Nilanga, 2019). The analysis of DNA samples obtained from biological evidences, such as blood, saliva, semen, and hair, provides valuable information for forensic investigations (Arenas et al., 2017).

DNA analysis process road map involves several steps: Collection of biological samples from crime scene, DNA extraction, quantitation, amplification, separation and detection, interpretation and comparison, and finally reporting (Bukyya et al., 2021). Sample collection involves using appropriate techniques to collect materials from the scene to prevent DNA degradation (Bukyya et al., 2021). After that, DNA extraction/isolation of the samples is done using appropriate DNA extraction kits (Gupta, 2019). The targeted DNA sequence repeats such as the short tandem repeats (STRs) e.g. the 13 core CODIS STR loci, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) or Y-chromosome markers are then amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. There are several techniques used in forensic DNA analysis after PCR, namely; capillary electrophoresis (CE), and next-generation sequencing (NGS) (Tillmar et al., 2018). A DNA profile is created, and analysis is done by discrimination and comparison of multiple STR loci of suspects and the victim (Panneerchelvam, and Norazmi, 2003; Butler, 2023). Population data based on racial or ethnic group are used to discriminate the match between suspects and victim to establish validity of the results (Jobling, 2022). The results are taken to court as proof against the culprit or used to exonerate the innocent (Kaye, 1994).

Forensic DNA analysis has a wide range of applications in the criminal justice system (Schneider et al., 2019). One of the most significant applications of forensic DNA analysis is in the investigation of sexual assaults. DNA evidence can provide conclusive evidence of innocence, even years after the crime was committed (Schneider et al., 2019). Since the introduction of DNA profiling in the 1980s, more than 375 people have been exonerated in the United States alone (Laporte, 2017).

The principles and techniques of forensic DNA analysis are constantly evolving, with new methods being developed and improved upon. Current research in forensic DNA and genetic analysis have focused on the reconstruction of the physical appearance of individuals—DNA phenotyping (Amankwaa and McCartney, 2021).

Conclusively, forensic DNA analysis is a powerful tool that has revolutionized the criminal justice system. As the technology advances, it is likely that forensic DNA analysis will become even more precise and accurate, with the potential to solve even more crimes and exonerate more innocent individuals. It is important to note that proper protocols and quality control measures must be in place to ensure the accuracy and reliability of DNA analysis results. Consideration of ethical and privacy implications of DNA analysis is also essential to reveal sensitive information about an individual’s genetic makeup.

REFERENCES

*Amankwaa, AO and McCartney, C, (2021). The effectiveness of the current use of forensic DNA in criminal investigations in England and Wales. WIREs Forensic Science. 3: 1414.

Arenas, M, Pereira, F, Oliveira, M, Pinto, N, Lopes, AM, Gomes, V, Carracedo, A and Amorim, A, (2017). Forensic genetics and genomics: Much more than just a human affair. PLoS Genetics. 13(9): e1006960.

Bukyya, JL, Tejasvi, MLA, Avinash, A, Chanchala, HP, Talwade, P, Afroz, MM, Pokala, A, Neela, PK, Shyamilee, TK, and Srisha, V, (2021). DNA Profiling in Forensic Science: A Review. Global Medical Genetics. 8(4): 135–143.

Butler, JM, (2023). Recent advances in forensic biology and forensic DNA typing: INTERPOL review 2019–2022. Forensic Science International: Synergy. 6: 100311 – 100312.

Daeid, NN, Hackman, L and Haddrill, PR, (2021). Developments in forensic DNA analysis. Emerging Topics in Life Sciences, 5(3): 381-393.

*Dash, H.R., Shrivastava, P., Das, S., Dash, H.R., Shrivastava, P. and Das, S., 2020. Collection, transportation, and preservation of biological evidences for DNA analysis. Principles and practices of DNA analysis: a laboratory manual for forensic DNA typing, pp.21-27.

Fernando, M and Nilanga, U, (2019). Recent Advances in Forensic DNA Analysis. International Research Journal of Natural Applied Science. 6(6):19-26.

Gupta, N, (2019). DNA Extraction and Polymerase Chain Reaction. Journal of Cytology. 36(2): 116–117.

*Haarkötter, C., Saiz, M., Alvarez-Cubero, M., Alvarez, J.C. and Lorente, J., 2020. Challenges in the DNA Analysis of Compromised Samples. Handbook of DNA Profiling, pp.1-20.

Jobling, MA, (2022). Forensic genetics through the lens of Lewontin: population structure, ancestry and race. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B. 377(1852): 202004 – 202022.

Kaye, DH, (1994). The forensic debut of the National Research Council’s DNA report: Population structure, ceiling frequencies and the need for numbers. Jurimetrics Journal. 34: 369–382.

*Lederman, L., 2005. Forensics. BioTechniques, 39(1), pp.23-27.

*Muruganandhan, J. and Sivakumar, G., 2011. Practical aspects of DNA-based forensic studies in dentistry. Journal of forensic dental sciences, 3(1): 38.

Panneerchelvam, S and Norazmi, MN, (2003). Forensic DNA profiling and database. The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences. 10(2): 20–26.

Schneider, PM, Prainsack, B and Kayser, M, (2019). The use of forensic DNA phenotyping in predicting appearance and biogeographic ancestry. DÄ International – Ärzteblatt. 116(52): 873–880.

Tillmar, A, Grandell, I and Montelius, K, (2018). DNA identification of compromised samples with massive parallel sequencing. Forensic Sciences Research. 4(4): 331–336.

E-Resources

*Cornell, B. (2016). Core Technologies. Bioninja. Available at http://vce.bioninja.com.au. Accessed 4^th April, 2023.

LaPorte, GM, (2017). Wrongful convictions and DNA exonerations: Understanding the role of forensic science. Available at: https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/articles/wrongful-convictions-and-dna-exonerations-understanding-role-forensic-science. Accessed on 16th April, 2023.