Dental DNA Methods In Forensic Identification

Dental DNA Methods In Forensic Identification

Question. Write a short note on dental DNA methods.

dental DNA forensic identification

Answer. The following are the dental DNA methods:

“Understanding the role of dental DNA methods in forensic science: Q&A explained”

• Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP)
  Typing: It is used for analyzing the variable lengths of DNA fragments that result from digesting a DNA sample with a special kind of restriction enzyme called “restriction endonuclease,” which sections DNA at a specific sequence pattern known as a restriction endonuclease recognition site. RFLP requires relatively large amounts of DNA.
  Hence, it cannot be performed with the samples degraded by environmental factors, and also takes a longer time to get the results.
• STRs typing: These are described as short stretches of DNA that are repeated at various locations throughout the human genome, and this technology is used to evaluate specific regions (loci) within nuclear DNA.
  Each person has some STRs that were inherited from their father and some from their mother, but no person has STRs that are identical to those of either parent.
  The uniqueness of an individual’s STRs provides the scientific marker of identity and hence is helpful in forensic identification and paternity testing.
  STR can be used for the identification of bodies in mass disasters and old skeletal remains.

“Importance of studying dental DNA methods for better forensic outcomes: Questions explained”

• Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis: Long intervals between the time of death and examination of tissues complicate the genetic identification with nuclear DNA and sometimes only bone and teeth may be available for analysis.
  Teeth provide an excellent source for high molecular weight mtDNA that offer several unique advantages for the identification of human remains.
  mtDNA is a powerful tool for forensic identification as it possesses high copy number, maternal inheritance, and high degree of sequence variability.
• Y­chromosome analysis: DNA­polymorphisms on the human Y chromosome are valuable tools for understanding human evolution, migration and for tracing relationships among males.
  Majority of the length of the human Y chromosome is inherited as a single block in linkage from father to male offspring as a haploid entity.
  Hence, Y chromosomal DNA variation has been mainly used for investigations on human evolution and for forensic purposes or paternity analysis.

DNA extraction from teeth

“Common challenges in using dental DNA methods effectively: FAQs provided”

• X­chromosome STR: Chromosome X specifi STR is used in the identifiation and the genomic studies of various ethnic groups in the world.
  Since the size of X­chromosome STR alleles is small, generally including 100–350 nucleotides, it is relatively easy to be amplifid and detected with high sensitivity.
  X­chromosome STR (X­STR) markers are a powerful complimentary system especially in defiiency paternity testing. Tooth­related jaw bone diseases can be divided in cysts and odontogenic tumors.
  Reactive bone diseases, firo-osseous lesions, giant cell lesions, and bone tumors are taken together as the main second group.