1. Forensics (DNA Technology)

2. What is DNA? DNA is the carrier of genetic information and provides a structural plan for proteins. It consists of linear linked nucleotides whose sequence forms hereditary. The DNA is in the form of a double helix and is made up of four bases: adenine, thymine, cytosine and guanine.

3. DNA Uses for Forensic Identification DNA is used in forensics to: Identify potential suspects if their DNA matches DNA found at crime scene Prove possible innocence of people wrongly accused of crime Identify crime and catastrophe victims Show paternity and other family relationships Identify endangered/protected species (can be used to prosecute poachers) Detect bacteria polluting air, soil, water, food Match organ donors with organ receivers Determine pedigree

4. Solving Crimes DNA can be used to identify criminals with incredible accuracy when biological evidence exists. Still not used to convict people for a long time as juries didn’t understand how the DNA evidence proved anything. Samples could be contaminated easily.

5. Fingerprinting Any type of organism can be identified by examination of DNA sequences. To identify individuals, 13 DNA regions are scanned. Each region varies from person to person. The unique data provided by an individual is used to create a DNA profile which is also known as their fingerprint. There is an extremely small chance that another person has the same DNA profile for a particular set of regions.

6. CODIS Database The COmbined DNA Index System A database containing DNA collected from crime scenes Has DNA profiles of individuals convicted of felony sex offences and other violent crimes Uses computer software to search the DNA profiles to match biological evidence gathered at crime scenes.

7. Moral Problems Having DNA contained in a national database breaches confidentiality rights and the privacy of an individual If someone is a suspect, should forensic teams be allowed to collect DNA samples without the person knowing? Can DNA from dead persons be collected or registered, as they cannot be suspected or prosecuted?

8. Future Applications To have everybody’s DNA and fingerprint on a database – This comes back to Moral Issues, some people feel it is against their rights to have their DNA and fingerprints on file. – Although this could prevent most crimes from happening in the first place as if everybody’s DNA and fingerprints are on file the offender is more likely to be caught.

9. The End Thanks for your time! Any Questions?