Factors Affecting Time Of Death 2

Question 1

What are assumptions in hennsge nomogram

Answer 1

Assumptions in henssge nomogram are naked body, stretched out and still air.

Question 2

How would a change in assumptions in henssge nomogram affect time of death

Answer 2

Change in assumptions in henssge nomogram are
A clothed body the estimated time would be too short because clothing insulates so body cools slower.
If body was curled up the estimate would be too short because of reduced heat loss because exposed surface area is smaller.
Moving air would mean estimate is too long because moving air cools body faster.

Question 3

What causes decomposition

Answer 3

Enzymes, bacteria, insects and fungi cause decomposition.

Question 4

Why does high heat increase rate of decomposition

Answer 4

High heat increases rate of decomposition because digestive enzymes have more kinetic energy, so more enzymes substrate complexes formed. Bacteria multiply (by mitosis) more rapidly

Question 5

How does decomposition help find time of death and when is it not useful

Answer 5

Decomposition helps find time of death because body decomposes in specific sequence, which is affected by temp and wounds.
However, not useful if all body has completely decomposed

Question 6

How are DNA profiles compared

Answer 6

DNA profiles are compared by comparing total number of bands, position of bands and size of bands.