The basics of Forensics are as follows, collecting evidence to use in a court of law. For this to happen you need solid evidence that has been collected. One way to evolve this is Biotechnology and its contribution to DNA identification. In this article, we will explore the important information that DNA profiling provides through Capillary electrophoresis.
DNA profiling
The discovery of DNA profiling became a turning point for the field of Forensics, enabling investigators the ability to identify individuals through their genetic makeup. This can be accomplished using blood, hair, or even skin cells and increases the chances of identifying the suspect. Though DNA profiling is critical, ethical considerations arise as a result of the collection of a genetic database. The privacy of the patient may be in jeopardy with them being unable to be fully informed on the specific use of their genetic information. Nevertheless, the security needs to be critical due to the potential threat of it being used beyond its original purposes. However, despite these ethical concerns, the information that is provided by DNA profiling can exonerate innocent individuals in a court case and allow law enforcement to bring justice to victims.
Examples of crimes that have been solved
The Golden State Killer
The Craig Harman Case
The Phantom of Heilbronn
Capillary Electrophoresis: The Method of DNA Profiling
The marvels of DNA profiling are accomplished by the technique of Electrophoresis. This process starts by sectioning off specific regions of the DNA called tandem repeats (STRs). These regions are unique to each individual and will be amplified through polymerase chain reaction (PCR). After, they will dye the strands of STRs with a fluorescent as a type of biomarker, enabling precise visualization and measurement as the STR strands move through the capillary. Using the fundamental concepts of electrophoresis, separating DNA fragments by size using electrical charge, STR strands are able to be put under black light for analysis. The results are very specifically tailored to the individual having very specific STRs and variable number tandem repeats (VNTR), the size of which can both be recorded into a database and used as a reference for DNA profiling.
Conclusion
Overall, DNA profiling utilizing the STRs and the VNTR of an individual in capillary electrophoresis stands as a foundation in modern forensics. As we navigate the ethical concerns of this technology, it still remains that without this crucial technique, hundreds if not thousands of cases may still be a mystery. With further research on this technology, it opens up a new opportunity to be one step closer in solving our world's greatest mysteries.
References
Pruitt-Young, Sharon. “Detectives Just Used DNA to Solve a 1956 Double Homicide. They May Have Made History.” NPR, NPR, 12 June 2021, www.npr.org/2021/06/12/1005690930/detectives-just-used-dna-to-solve-a-1956-double-homicide-they-may-have-made-hist.
“DNA Profiling: How Is It Used in Criminal Justice?” Maryville Online, 6 Jan. 2021, online.maryville.edu/blog/how-is-dna-profiling-used-to-solve-crimes/#:~:text=Once%20forensic%20scientists%20obtain%20a%20sample%2C%20they%20extract,of%20repeats%20for%20different%20markers%20in%20each%20allele.
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