DNA ANALYSIS

DNA analysis

DNA analysis

Introduction

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was first discovered in 1869 by Johann Friedrich Miescher, but it was not until the 1950s while studying viral replication did Alfred Hershey and Martha Chase determine DNA was Genetic material. In 1953 James Watson and Francis Crick discovered DNA was a double helix (a double helix looks like a twisted ladder). The discovery of Watson and Crick opened the door helping describe the significance and importance of DNA as the molecule of inheritance while addressing the structure of the DNA molecule, and why is a molecule of DNA so perfect for the job it performs. I will look at what exactly does DNA code for, how is that translated into actual traits, what are mitosis and meiosis, what are the similarities and differences, and what do mitosis and meiosis allow for. I will show how traits are passed from parents to offspring and lastly describe how knowledge of DNA and genetics can help in my life.

Discussion

DNA is at the forefront in changing how law enforcement solves criminal cases, and how the crime scene is processed. While good old police detective work is still in use, today's DNA technology is what drives solving criminal cases, and what can mean the difference between guilty and not guilty. There are various ways the criminal justice system utilizes DNA technology. DNA evidence can be used by law enforcement to either identify a suspect or clear a suspect (Bates, 2008).

DNA evidence is gathered at the crime scene such as biological evidence that can include blood, sweat, semen, etc. The DNA evidence is then compared to the law enforcement databases to identify the criminal or rule out any suspects. For example, Rosa Cinnamon, an 80 year old grandmother from Portland, Oregon, was murdered on March 25, 1976. For 35 years, her murder remained unsolved despite the efforts from law enforcement. Edward Warren was able to be identified as Rosa Cinnamon's killer through fingernail scrapings from the victim, and it was a match from Warren even after he died in prison for another crime (Abichandani, 2004).

DNA can also be used to exonerate convicted criminals that may be on death row or serving life in prison. In 1985, Kirk Bloodsworth, was convicted of murdering a nine year old girl in Baltimore, Maryland. He was convicted based upon a police lineup where he was singled out by eight and nine year old children. After serving almost nine years in prison, the evidence was reexamined and the DNA evidence was tested, and Kirk Bloodsworth was cleared of the crime.

It is clear that in both examples of the DNA evidence being used that there is obvious advantages to using DNA evidence. DNA evidence can help law enforcement solve crimes by using biological evidence to catch a killer, or in the case of Kirk Bloodsworth it can exonerate a convicted killer from a crime which they did not commit. However, there can also be disadvantages to using the DNA ...