Forenics Flashcards
What is DNA?
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is the hereditary material in humans and almost all other organisms.
True or False: DNA can be found on weapons used in murders.
True
What type of evidence can DNA provide in a murder investigation?
DNA can provide biological evidence linking a suspect to the crime scene.
Fill in the blank: DNA samples can be collected from __________ on a weapon.
blood, saliva, skin cells
What is the primary method used to analyze DNA?
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Multiple choice: Which of the following is NOT a source of DNA? A) Hair B) Fingerprints C) Blood D) Saliva
B) Fingerprints
What is the role of forensic scientists in murder investigations?
Forensic scientists analyze physical evidence, including DNA, to help solve crimes.
True or False: DNA evidence can be collected from clothing.
True
What is the importance of chain of custody in DNA evidence?
It ensures the integrity and reliability of the evidence collected.
Short answer: How can a suspect’s DNA be matched to evidence found at a crime scene?
By comparing the DNA profile obtained from the evidence with the suspect’s DNA profile.
Fill in the blank: DNA profiling is also known as __________.
DNA fingerprinting
What type of biological material is most commonly used for DNA extraction?
Blood
Multiple choice: Which method is typically used to collect DNA from a weapon? A) Swabbing B) Scraping C) Cutting D) All of the above
D) All of the above
True or False: Environmental factors can degrade DNA evidence.
True
What is mitochondrial DNA and how is it different from nuclear DNA?
Mitochondrial DNA is inherited maternally and is found in mitochondria, while nuclear DNA is inherited from both parents and is found in the nucleus.
Short answer: Why is it important to observe a victim in a murder case?
To gather information about the circumstances of the death and potential evidence.
Fill in the blank: The process of collecting and analyzing DNA evidence is known as __________.
forensic DNA analysis
What are some common locations on a weapon where DNA might be found?
Grip, trigger, blade, or handle
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
D) All of the above
True or False: DNA evidence can be used to exonerate a wrongfully convicted individual.
True
What is the significance of using a control sample in DNA testing?
It helps to validate the results by providing a known reference for comparison.
Fill in the blank: Police often use __________ to identify potential suspects based on DNA evidence.
DNA databases
Short answer: What role does public awareness play in solving murder cases?
It can encourage witnesses to come forward with information.
What is a DNA match probability?
It indicates how likely it is that a DNA sample matches a particular individual.
True or False: Only males can provide DNA samples.
False
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) It can be contaminated
Fill in the blank: DNA evidence is often used in __________ investigations.
homicide
What is the purpose of collecting DNA from a suspect?
To determine if it matches DNA found at the crime scene.
Short answer: How can a victim’s injuries provide clues in a murder investigation?
They can indicate the manner of death and potential struggle.
What is the role of an autopsy in a murder investigation?
To determine the cause and manner of death.
True or False: DNA can survive in a crime scene for a long time.
True
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) STR analysis
Fill in the blank: DNA evidence is often considered __________ evidence in court.
forensic
What is the significance of a victim’s last known whereabouts?
It can help establish timelines and identify possible suspects.
Short answer: Why is it important to document the crime scene?
To preserve evidence and provide an accurate account of the events.
True or False: DNA testing can take days to weeks to produce results.
True
