| Since the introduction of DNA testing as | | | | |
| evidence in 1990, criminal justice system has | | | | Warm moist conditions may accelerate DNA |
| been improved but mistakes and human errors | | | | degradation rendering it unsuitable for RFLP |
| have downplayed the effectiveness of the | | | | in a relatively short period of time. |
| technology. | | | | |
| | | | PCR-based testing often requires less DNA |
| This DNA forensic has undeniably helped in | | | | than RFLP testing and the DNA may be |
| solving tough cases and yet, public awareness | | | | partially degraded, more so than is the case |
| of the information is only surface touching | | | | with RFLP. However, PCR still has sample |
| depth. | | | | size and degradation limitations that |
| | | | sometimes may be under-appreciated. |
| Forensic identification tests can link the | | | | |
| DNA segments to each individuals existing. | | | | PCR-based tests are also extremely sensitive |
| | | | to contaminating DNA at the crime scene and |
| Examples of DNA uses in the field include | | | | within the test laboratory. |
| identification of potential suspects whose | | | | |
| DNA maybe match leftovers at crime scenes, | | | | During PCR, contaminants may be amplified up |
| establishment of paternity and family | | | | to a billion times their original |
| relationships of victims whom could not be | | | | concentration. Contamination can influence |
| recognized based on their outlooks and | | | | PCR results, particularly in the absence of |
| matching organ donors with recipients in | | | | proper handling techniques and proper |
| transplant programs. | | | | controls for contamination. |
| | | | |
| The selected interesting cases of DNA | | | | PCR is less direct and somewhat more prone to |
| forensic identification involve the DNA Shoah | | | | error than RFLP. However, PCR has tended to |
| Project, identification of the 911 and South | | | | replace RFLP in forensic testing primarily |
| East Asia 2004 Tsunami victims and others. | | | | because PCR based tests are faster and more |
| | | | sensitive. |
| There have been two main types of forensic | | | | |
| DNA testing. They are often called; RFLP and | | | | Science cannot yet provide conclusive results |
| PCR based testing, although these terms are | | | | on genetics and behavior. Discovering more |
| not very descriptive. | | | | about ourselves to the basic components can |
| | | | reveal much more about us. |
| Generally, RFLP testing requires larger | | | | |
| amounts of DNA and the DNA must be under | | | | Blood group, originality, race, allergies, |
| graded. Crime-scene evidence that is old or | | | | genetic dominance and other elements just |
| that is present in small amounts is often | | | | showed that we are fascinating creatures to |
| unsuitable for RFLP testing. | | | | exist on earth. |