if you and i are sent into a crime scene to “collect dna”, what would we look for? from what could dna be collected at a crime scene and how could it be beneficial to solving a crime?

nuclear dna is a preferable source of dna if it can be acquired. however, forensic scientists must often use mitochondrial dna. explain the difficulties with collecting only mitochondrial dna. what information can be obtained from the collection of nuclear dna?

describe one test that can be conducted using dna and discuss its value to solving a crime. be specific with regards to the lab procedures followed to get accurate results. this is an ethical question based on the collection and banking (or storage) of biological information. of concern to many, is privacy. for example, collected dna could provide information about parentage and disease susceptibility. what are some potential advantages and disadvantages of banking dna from individuals who are sex offenders, felons, or simply arrestees?

explain why investigators analyzing crime scenes involving fire do not need warrants to search for or gather evidence?

how do investigators determine the point of origin for a fire? under what circumstances would they not be able to determine a point of origin?

explain the difference between high and low explosives.

analyze the advantages or disadvantages of limiting access of explosive materials to the general public. would you support this idea? why or why not?

When you are collecting DNA, you could be looking for a few different things. A few examples could be skin cells, strands of hair, or possibly even a fingernail. Anything that comes from a person, including blood or saliva can be potential DNA that could help investigators to link a person back to a crime.

Investigators do not need a warrant for analyzing crime scenes due to the fact of the dangers of the fire. You must work quickly because accelerants tend to evaporate within days, sometimes hours. It is also important to note that finding the origin of the fire is very important, to make sure it won't be reignited. Debris is usually cleaned away quickly to ensure health and safety issues.

The point of origin of a fire is the lowest point, since fire burns upwards.

High explosive: Ignite almost instantly, like dynamite and TNT. Two different types are primary and secondary.

Primary: easily ignited, very sensitive to heat and friction. often used to ignite other explosives.

Secondary: much less sensitive to heat and friction, might be ignited using other explosive materials. TNT and dynamite are both secondary.

Low explosive: decompose slowly and include black and smokeless powder. They are the most common type of explosives, and are readily available.

Each person’s DNA is unique.

Scientists use variable regions in DNA to create a DNA profile.

DNA samples can be taken from blood, bone, hair, or other body tissues and

products.

DNA from a crime scene can be compared to DNA from a suspect.

DNA typing can be used to solve old cases.