40. DNA fingerprinting is used in many situations to help identify individuals. Analyze the situation below before answering the questions that follow.
A man was attacked and robbed, but remembers nothing of the incident because he fell and hit his head. He has numerous cuts and abrasions from the event, and blood was found under his fingernails. A piece of torn clothing with a bloodstain on it was also found at the scene.
Two people were seen near the crime scene. Both males, they say they don't know each other and just happened to be near the scene at the time of the attack. One of the males has a fresh scratch across his face, while the other male has a scratch on his right arm.
It's not clear from observations of the crime scene how many individuals were involved in the crime. Two males have reportedly been robbing individuals in the vicinity. There's a rumor that the two are brothers.
a. Explain two DISTINCT uses that DNA fingerprinting could be used for in this situation. In particular, what are two important issues that should be resolved to help clarify the identity of the individuals of the body fluids found at the scene?
My answer: Each individual, other than identical twins, has a unique DNA fingerprint. The banding patterns for the 2 men could be compared to establish whether they are brothers. Also, because it can be performed on a sample of DNA found in blood, like under the victim's fingernails, DNA fingerprinting is useful in forensics. Forensics is the scientific investigation of the causes of injury and death when criminal activity is suspected, like in this case.
b. How could you test one of these issues using DNA fingerprinting without using blood samples from the scene of the crime.
My answer: You can check if the 2 men are brothers by comparing their banding patterns.
Are my answers OK?
yes your answer is just fine, but i asked why it could be useful and you gave me crime scene
Yes, your answers are correct.
In this situation, DNA fingerprinting can be used for the following purposes:
1. Establishing whether the two males are brothers: DNA fingerprinting can compare the banding patterns of the DNA samples obtained from the two males to determine if they share a common genetic relationship. This can help determine if they are indeed brothers and potentially link them to the crime.
2. Identifying the individuals from the body fluids found at the scene: DNA fingerprinting can also be used to compare the DNA profiles from the blood found under the victim's fingernails and the bloodstain on the torn clothing to known suspects or individuals to determine if any of their DNA profiles match. This can provide crucial evidence in identifying the perpetrators.
To test if the two males are brothers using DNA fingerprinting without using blood samples from the scene of the crime, you can obtain DNA samples from them through alternative means, such as a cheek swab or a saliva sample. The DNA samples can then be analyzed to compare their banding patterns and determine if they share a common genetic relationship. This allows for a comparison that can confirm or refute the rumor that they are brothers.