Why Forensic Mitochondrial DNA Tests Are Good For Mankind

Over the last 10 years, there have been great advances in forensic science that has helped solve some tough crimes, and that has been accomplished through DNA forensic mitochondrial testing.  DNA is found in pretty much every cell of the human body, and it is the building block of life that makes us who we are physically.  The structure of DNA resembles a twisted ladder, and the order of the bases of this structure is what helps scientists distinguish between two unrelated individuals.  This mitochondrial DNA analysis is what has helped law enforcement solve crimes that may have otherwise gone unsolved.

There are many types of DNA analysis used for forensic investigations.  One of them is the Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism or RFLP.  This was one of the first types of forensic DNA testing used.  Another is Polymerase Chain Reaction or PCR.  PCR analysis amplifies DNA so that testing can be done on even just a few skin cells.  Short Tandem Repeat or STR technology is another type of analysis that is used by the FBI.  Mitochondrial DNA analysis differs from these other technologies because it extracts DNA from mitochondrian.  This allows scientist to evaluate materials such as hair and teeth where other technologies like STR and RFLP cannot do.

There are several steps involved when doing mitochondrial DNA analysis.  The first step is a visual analysis where the forensic scientist will place the material under a microscope for evaluation.  Common materials that are evaluated are hair, bone, or teeth.  The second step is to prepare the sample by cleaning it and ensuring there are no contaminating materials surrounding the sample.  The third step is to extract the DNA by adding chemicals which separate the DNA from other proteins and biological molecules.  During the fourth step, the DNA is amplified through the use of PCR analysis.  Step five includes a post amplification analysis where the DNA is quantified prior to the sixth and final step.  In this last step, the DNA goes through a process called sequencing.

Scientists have come a long way with DNA forensic mitochondrial analysis, and this is good for all mankind.  Although there are some privacy issues that are likely to ruffle some feathers, DNA testing has a lot of advantages.  Of course, there are many forms of DNA testing that are becoming increasingly popular, such as ancestry and paternal DNA testing.  These are also important, particularly paternal testing which is important for children and families.  The cost of doing these tests continues to decline with increased technology and competition.  The popularity of DNA testing will continue to blossom for years to come.