Mitochondrial DNA in the identification of degraded and trace evidence
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Authors
Corey, Eric B.
Issue Date
2001
Type
Thesis
Language
en
Keywords
Forensic sciences
Alternative Title
Abstract
The positive identification of biological evidence samples and human remains is a major goal in forensic science. DNA analysis can be a valuable identification technique. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), present in large copy numbers in human cells, is sometimes used as an alternative to nuclear DNA for identifying degraded and trace biological evidence. The possible advantages of mtDNA identification are explored, as well as its discriminatory potential. Recent studies were reviewed, and mtDNA profiles were sometimes obtained more easily than nuclear DNA profiles from degraded and trace samples. Nuclear DNA has more potential for individualization, so mtDNA identification, being expensive and time consuming [1], should only be attempted on samples with a low copy number of nuclear DNA. Additional studies would help to determine more specifically when mtDNA typing would be worthwhile.