8.3 Flashcards
Algor Mortis
The gradual cooling of the body following death.
Autopsy
An examination of the body after death usually with such dissection as will expose the vital organs for determining the cause of death.
Chromosome
Any of the usually linear bodies in the cell nucleus that contain the genetic material.
Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)
A double-stranded, helical nucleic acid molecule that determines the inherited structure of a cell’s proteins.
DNA Fingerprinting
The analysis of DNA from samples of body tissues or fluids in order to identify individuals.
Forensic Science
The application of scientific knowledge to questions of civil and criminal law.
Gel Electrophoresis
The separation of nucleic acids or proteins, on the basis of their size and electrical charge, by measuring their rate of movement through an electrical field in a gel.
Gene
A discrete unit of hereditary information consisting of a specific nucleotide sequence in DNA.
Medical Examiner
A physician who performs an autopsy when death may be accidental or violent.