Blog#13 How has DNA changed how we investigate crimes? What are the two main tests? Describe them.
DNA has affected the way we investigate crimes because without it, we could never have been as successful in solving crimes. Since its discovery, it has been used to solve crimes and is probably the most powerful tool used to put away dangerous criminals. However, DNA is also used for many other cases. In crimes though, it is used to match a suspect with a crime scene stain.
There are 2 main types of forensic DNA testing known as RFLP and PCR, abbreviations for Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphisms and Polymerase Chain Reaction, respectively. RFLP testing needs more DNA than PCR, and requires undegraded DNA. Therefore, if the crime scene DNA evidence is either old or small, it would not be suitable for RFLP testing. On the other hand, PCR can be used for testing smaller amounts of partially degraded DNA. PCR is more commonly used because it requires lest time, but generally creates more mistakes than RFLP. PCR testing increases the amount of DNA available, but it also amplifies contaminants if there are any, which is why it is less specific and can more easily have errors.
Sources:
http://www.scientific.org/tutorials/articles/riley/riley.html
http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/DNA-Testing-has-Changed-Everything/2471
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