Forenics Flashcards

1
Q

What is DNA?

A

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is the hereditary material in humans and almost all other organisms.

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2
Q

True or False: DNA can be found on weapons used in murders.

A

True

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3
Q

What type of evidence can DNA provide in a murder investigation?

A

DNA can provide biological evidence linking a suspect to the crime scene.

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4
Q

Fill in the blank: DNA samples can be collected from __________ on a weapon.

A

blood, saliva, skin cells

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5
Q

What is the primary method used to analyze DNA?

A

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

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6
Q

Multiple choice: Which of the following is NOT a source of DNA? A) Hair B) Fingerprints C) Blood D) Saliva

A

B) Fingerprints

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7
Q

What is the role of forensic scientists in murder investigations?

A

Forensic scientists analyze physical evidence, including DNA, to help solve crimes.

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8
Q

True or False: DNA evidence can be collected from clothing.

A

True

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9
Q

What is the importance of chain of custody in DNA evidence?

A

It ensures the integrity and reliability of the evidence collected.

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10
Q

Short answer: How can a suspect’s DNA be matched to evidence found at a crime scene?

A

By comparing the DNA profile obtained from the evidence with the suspect’s DNA profile.

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11
Q

Fill in the blank: DNA profiling is also known as __________.

A

DNA fingerprinting

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12
Q

What type of biological material is most commonly used for DNA extraction?

A

Blood

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13
Q

Multiple choice: Which method is typically used to collect DNA from a weapon? A) Swabbing B) Scraping C) Cutting D) All of the above

A

D) All of the above

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14
Q

True or False: Environmental factors can degrade DNA evidence.

A

True

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15
Q

What is mitochondrial DNA and how is it different from nuclear DNA?

A

Mitochondrial DNA is inherited maternally and is found in mitochondria, while nuclear DNA is inherited from both parents and is found in the nucleus.

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16
Q

Short answer: Why is it important to observe a victim in a murder case?

A

To gather information about the circumstances of the death and potential evidence.

17
Q

Fill in the blank: The process of collecting and analyzing DNA evidence is known as __________.

A

forensic DNA analysis

18
Q

What are some common locations on a weapon where DNA might be found?

A

Grip, trigger, blade, or handle

19
Q

Multiple choice: Which of the following can be a source of DNA at a crime scene? A) Blood B) Hair C) Saliva D) All of the above

A

D) All of the above

20
Q

True or False: DNA evidence can be used to exonerate a wrongfully convicted individual.

A

True

21
Q

What is the significance of using a control sample in DNA testing?

A

It helps to validate the results by providing a known reference for comparison.

22
Q

Fill in the blank: Police often use __________ to identify potential suspects based on DNA evidence.

A

DNA databases

23
Q

Short answer: What role does public awareness play in solving murder cases?

A

It can encourage witnesses to come forward with information.

24
Q

What is a DNA match probability?

A

It indicates how likely it is that a DNA sample matches a particular individual.

25
Q

True or False: Only males can provide DNA samples.

A

False

26
Q

Multiple choice: Which of the following is a limitation of DNA evidence? A) It can be contaminated B) It is always conclusive C) It is cheap to collect D) None of the above

A

A) It can be contaminated

27
Q

Fill in the blank: DNA evidence is often used in __________ investigations.

A

homicide

28
Q

What is the purpose of collecting DNA from a suspect?

A

To determine if it matches DNA found at the crime scene.

29
Q

Short answer: How can a victim’s injuries provide clues in a murder investigation?

A

They can indicate the manner of death and potential struggle.

30
Q

What is the role of an autopsy in a murder investigation?

A

To determine the cause and manner of death.

31
Q

True or False: DNA can survive in a crime scene for a long time.

A

True

32
Q

Multiple choice: Which DNA analysis technique is most commonly used in criminal cases? A) STR analysis B) mtDNA analysis C) SNP analysis D) RFLP analysis

A

A) STR analysis

33
Q

Fill in the blank: DNA evidence is often considered __________ evidence in court.

A

forensic

34
Q

What is the significance of a victim’s last known whereabouts?

A

It can help establish timelines and identify possible suspects.

35
Q

Short answer: Why is it important to document the crime scene?

A

To preserve evidence and provide an accurate account of the events.

36
Q

True or False: DNA testing can take days to weeks to produce results.

A

True