Using DNA Analysis to Identify Who Hit Reville
8 April, 2013
Who Hit Reveille? Reveille was hit by a cyclist while walking with her handler, but the suspect got away. However, the cadet was able to grab a notebook from the cyclist as he tried to stop him from escaping. A code maroon was sent out, in search of a cyclist on a maroon and white bike wearing blue jeans. Two men who fit the description were taken to the campus police for further investigation. A series of forensic tests were conducted to determine which, if any, of these two cyclists were guilty for hitting and injuring Reveille. Each test conducted would result in unveiling the culprit. The following data was collected, and the results would aid in unmasking the criminal in the Reveille Hit and Run case. In order to determine which, if any, of the two cyclists was guilty, 4 different forensic tests were conducted. Because genetic blueprints are unique, DNA is key when attempting to convict an individual. Since DNA testing is very sensitive, one must conduct these tests carefully. A technique called Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is used to make millions of copies of the DNA without destroying it. Then, a restriction enzyme cuts the DNA into different fragments called reaction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) at specific binding sites. Gel electrophoresis is used to move the RLPF fragments from the negative to positive pole using an electrical charge. The movement of the RFLP fragments distance depends on their size and shape; therefore, the heavier ones do not move as far as the denser ones. DNA samples were retrieved from the Biker man and Maroon Flash’s shirts to compare Reveille’s DNA and her fur using the gel electrophoresis using a ladder sample of DNA as the controlling variable. The next forensic testing compared the fingerprints on a notebook obtained at the scene to each individual suspect in order to discover to whom the notebook belonged. Fingerprints are very unique to every individual. Whorl patterns and arch patterns
Who Hit Reveille? Reveille was hit by a cyclist while walking with her handler, but the suspect got away. However, the cadet was able to grab a notebook from the cyclist as he tried to stop him from escaping. A code maroon was sent out, in search of a cyclist on a maroon and white bike wearing blue jeans. Two men who fit the description were taken to the campus police for further investigation. A series of forensic tests were conducted to determine which, if any, of these two cyclists were guilty for hitting and injuring Reveille. Each test conducted would result in unveiling the culprit. The following data was collected, and the results would aid in unmasking the criminal in the Reveille Hit and Run case. In order to determine which, if any, of the two cyclists was guilty, 4 different forensic tests were conducted. Because genetic blueprints are unique, DNA is key when attempting to convict an individual. Since DNA testing is very sensitive, one must conduct these tests carefully. A technique called Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is used to make millions of copies of the DNA without destroying it. Then, a restriction enzyme cuts the DNA into different fragments called reaction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) at specific binding sites. Gel electrophoresis is used to move the RLPF fragments from the negative to positive pole using an electrical charge. The movement of the RFLP fragments distance depends on their size and shape; therefore, the heavier ones do not move as far as the denser ones. DNA samples were retrieved from the Biker man and Maroon Flash’s shirts to compare Reveille’s DNA and her fur using the gel electrophoresis using a ladder sample of DNA as the controlling variable. The next forensic testing compared the fingerprints on a notebook obtained at the scene to each individual suspect in order to discover to whom the notebook belonged. Fingerprints are very unique to every individual. Whorl patterns and arch patterns