Forensic Biology is the field of forensic science mainly concerned with studying biological evidence found at the crime scene and submitted for subsequent investigation.
Therefore, the forensic biologist is the specialist who deals with all “pre-laboratory” procedures. They work at the crime scene to analyze it, evaluating and sampling the biological traces present at the location itself.
Biological traces can be visible, thus easy to find, or not visible – the so-called latent traces – that require visualising forensic lights with appropriate optical filters.
According to Locard’s Principle, it follows that every biological type of contact leaves a certain kind of footprint and provides investigators with potential evidence to link a suspect to the crime scene.
Forensic Genetics deals with all operations to find biological traces at the crime scene or on findings.
It specialises in forensic biology and focuses on accurately identifying a subject through DNA analysis.
This can enable the acquisition of important information regarding the subject present at the crime scene.
DNA represents a unique characteristic of the subject to whom it belongs, becoming a critical element in investigations, both in criminal and civil cases, when it is necessary to establish a relationship between topics.
Therefore, the forensic geneticist is a specialist trained to deal exclusively with laboratory analysis. His task begins with accepting biological samples and materially analyzing them using combined molecular biology and genetic techniques.
Subsequently, they perform a genetic analysis of the sample and evaluation of the results from a genetic aspect using biostatistical analysis. The task ends with a final report on the genetic profile analyzed and a possible comparison of several genetic profiles.
Also Read: Do Fingerprints Contain DNA?
Authored By
This article is written by Ms. Chiara Lucanto. She is a Forensic Biologist.
Multiple-choice questions (MCQs) on Forensic Biology and Forensic Genetics
1. Forensic biology primarily focuses on:
a) Analysis of DNA samples
b) Collecting physical evidence at the crime scene
c) Identifying biological traces at the crime scene
d) Statistical analysis of genetic profiles
Answer: c) Identifying biological traces at the crime scene
Explanation: Forensic biology is concerned with the study of biological evidence found at the crime scene. Its main focus is on identifying and analyzing biological traces, such as blood, saliva, hair, or tissue, that may provide potential evidence linking a suspect to the crime.
2. Forensic genetics is a specialization of forensic biology that specifically focuses on:
a) Collecting physical evidence at the crime scene
b) Analyzing DNA samples in the laboratory
c) Conducting statistical analysis of genetic profiles
d) Evaluating latent traces using forensic lights
Answer: b) Analyzing DNA samples in the laboratory
Explanation: Forensic genetics is a branch of forensic biology that deals with the accurate identification of individuals through DNA analysis.
3. Which principle states that every biological contact leaves a certain kind of trace or evidence?
a) Mendel’s Principle of Segregation
b) Watson and Crick’s Double Helix Principle
c) Locard’s Principle of Exchange
d) Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium Principle
Answer: c) Locard’s Principle of Exchange
Explanation: Locard’s Principle of Exchange states that every contact between two individuals or objects leaves behind a trace or evidence. In the context of forensic biology, this principle emphasizes that biological contacts, such as shedding skin cells or transferring bodily fluids, can provide potential evidence to link a suspect to the crime scene.
4. What is the significance of DNA analysis in forensic genetics?
a) It helps collect physical evidence at the crime scene.
b) It allows for the identification of biological traces.
c) It provides statistical analysis of genetic profiles.
d) It evaluates latent traces using forensic lights.
Answer: b) It allows for the identification of biological traces.
Explanation: DNA analysis in forensic genetics is crucial for the identification of biological traces found at the crime scene. By analyzing DNA samples, forensic geneticists can accurately identify individuals and establish a genetic profile.
5. What is the role of a forensic geneticist?
a) Analyzing DNA samples in the laboratory
b) Collecting physical evidence at the crime scene
c) Conducting statistical analysis of genetic profiles
d) Evaluating latent traces using forensic lights
Answer: a) Analyzing DNA samples in the laboratory
Explanation: A forensic geneticist is a specialist who primarily deals with the laboratory analysis of DNA samples. Their role involves accepting biological samples, performing genetic analysis, and evaluating the results from a genetic aspect using biostatistical analysis.
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