Forensic DNA Profiling

DNA profiling has had a revolutionary impact on the work of law enforcement. The concept: a suspect's DNA is compared against genetic material either directly obtained at a crime scene or from a centralized database such as the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). Human genomic DNA can be analyzed directly for individual identification and paternity testing on the basis of variations in its sequence.

The analysis of DNA isolated from forensic biological evidence provides valuable information relating to the identification of the source of the sample.  This activity is based on analyzing the inheritance of a class of DNA polymorphisms known as "Short Tandem Repeats", or simply STRs. The polymorphisms in STRs are due to the different number of copies of the repeat element that can occur in a population of individuals. Whilst the method is highly selective, sample collection and the risk of contamination are highly challenging. Sample material can be any material on which biological matter is found.