1. DNA and Forensics Still needs work

2. DNA · A DNA molecule is composed of two DNA strands twisted into a double helix, resembling two wires twisted around one another. · Each unit of DNA consists of one of four bases-adenine, guanine, cytosine, thymine. · DNA is individual to all people except identical twins. · Nuclear DNA is inherited from both the mother and the father. · Mitochondrial DNA (maternal DNA) is inherited solely from the mother. · All members of a family who are maternally related have the same mitochondrial DNA. Picture: www.columbia.edu/cu/opg/info/info.html Picture: www.nurseweb.ucsf.edu/www/cardio.htm

3. Mitochondrial DNA · Mitochondria are cell structures found in all human cells. · They provide 90% of the energy that our body needs to function. · A single mitochondrion contains several loops of DNA. · Each cell in our bodies contain hundreds and thousands of mitochondria. · Forensic scientists use mitochondrial DNA in situations where: - Nuclear DNA is significantly degraded. - Nuclear DNA is present in small quantities. - Authorities cannot obtain a reference sample from an individual who is long deceased or missing. Picture: http://www.uta.fi/imt/gifs/1b.jpg Picture: http://festival01.nih.gov/seclev/image.jpg

4. Mitochondrial DNA Fingerprints · In situations where authorities cannot obtain a reference sample from a missing child, a mitochondrial DNA reference sample is obtained from maternally related relatives. · Mitochondrial DNA can be amplified by using polymerase chain reaction. Picture: www.nobel.se/chemistry/educational/ poster/1993/pcr.html Picture: www.bris.ac.uk/.../research/ usowicz/mmufacil.htmPicture: www.diabetes.com.au/research/ labmethods.htm