An Introduction to Forensic Genetics

by Goodwin, William; Linacre, Adrian; Hadi, Sibte

• ISBN13: 9780470710197
• ISBN10: 0470710195
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2010-12-20
• Publisher: Wiley

Summary

This is a completely revised edition of a comprehensive and popular introduction to the fast moving area of Forensic Genetics. The text begins with key concepts needed to fully appreciate the subject and moves on to examine the latest developments in the field. Now illustrated in full colour throughout, this accessible textbook includes numerous references to relevant casework. With information on the full process of DNA evidence from collection at the scene of a crime to presentation in a legal context this book provides a complete overview of the field.Key Features: Greater in-depth coverage of kinship problems now covered in two separate chapters: one dealing with relationships between living individuals and the other covering identification of human remains. New chapter on non-human forensic genetics, including identification of bacteria and viruses, animals and plants. Self assessment questions to aid student understanding throughout the text. Now with full colour illustrations throughout New companion website Accessible introduction to forensic genetics, from the collection of evidence to the presentation of evidence in a legal context.Included in the Forensic Science Society 'Essentials in Forensic Science' book series. This edition is to be included in the Forensic Science Society 'Essentials of Forensic Science' book series aimed at advanced level undergraduates and new practitioners to the field.

Author Biography

Dr Will Goodwin, Senior Lecturer in Forensic Genetics, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Central Lancashire.

Dr Sibte Hadi, Senior Lecturer in Forensic Genetics, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Central Lancashire.

Dr Adrian M. T. Linacre, Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde.

Table of Contents

Foreword

Preface

Introduction to forensic geneticsForensic genetics

Forensic genetics

A brief history of forensic genetics

DNA structure and the genome

DNA structure

Organization of DNA into chromosomes

The structure of the human genome

Genetic diversity of modern humans

The genome and forensic genetics

Tandem repeats

Single nucleotide polymorphisms

Biological material-collection, characterization and storage

Sources of biological evidence

Collection and handling of material at the crime scene

Identification and characterization of biological evidence

Evidence collection

Sexual and physical assault

Storage of biological material

DNA extraction and quantification

DNAextraction

General principles of DNA extraction

DNA extraction from challenging samples

Quantification of DNA

DNA IQ system

Polymerase chain reaction

The evolution of PCR-based profiling in forensic genetics

DNA replication: the basis of the PCR

The components of PCR

Taq DNA polymerase

The PCR process

PCR inhibition

Sensitivity and contamination

The PCR laboratory

The analysis of short tandem repeats

Structure of STR loci

The development of STR multiplexes

Detection of STR polymorphisms

Interpretation of STR profiles

Assessment of STR profiles

Stutter peaks

Split peaks (±N)

Pull-up

Template DNA

Overloaded profiles

Low template DNA typing

Peak balance

Mixtures

Degraded DNA

PCR inhibition

Statistical interpretation of STR profiles

Population genetics

Deviation from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium

Statistical tests to determine deviation from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium

Estimating the frequencies of STR profiles

Corrections to allele frequency databases

Which population frequency database should be used?

Conclusions

Evaluation and presentation of DNA evidence

Hierarchies of propositions

Likelihood ratios

Two fallacies

Comparison of three approaches

Databases of DNA profiles

The UK National DNA Database

Legislation in England and Wales

International situation

Kinship testing

Parentage testing

Punnett square

Identification of human remains

Single nucleotide polymorphisms

SNPs-occurrence and structure

Detection of SNPs

SNP detection for forensic applications

Forensic applications of SNPs

SNPs compared with STR loci

Lineage markers

Mitochondria

Applications of mtDNA profiling

Haplotypes and haplogroups

The Y chromosome

Forensic applications of Y chromosome polymorphisms

Non-human DNA typing

Non-human sample types

Species identification

Linkage to an individual using STR Loci

Linkage to an individual using mitochondrial loci

Microbial DNA testing

Concluding comments

Forensic parameters

Useful web links

Glossary

Abbreviations

Index

Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.