- core-13
- The 13 polymorphic STR loci selected by the forensic community
to
standardize STR analyses to facilitate interlaboratory comparison
and establishment of databases. Additional information can
be found at the following site: http://www.cstl.nist.gov/biotech/strbase/fbicore.htm
- DNA
- Deoxyribonucleic Acid; information-carrying genetic (hereditary)
material. The human genome (nuclear DNA) is composed of ~3x109
units (base-pairs) of DNA, most of which are conserved (very
similar or identical) in every individual. These properties
make DNA a suitable marker for inheritance studies (e.g.,
paternity) as well as in the identification and monitoring
of mutations (changes) that may lead to heritable disease.
The variable regions of the human genome (DNA) are commonly
used for identification purposes (see polymorphic).
- forensic
- Something that is used in court or
legal proceedings; forensic science is the application of
science in this realm.
- loci
- Regions (or locations) on the DNA
molecule; a single region is referred to as a locus.
- mtDNA
- Mitochondrial DNA is a separate, maternally-inherited
genome often used in the identification of human remains.
The abundance of mtDNA (hundreds of copies per cell) versus
nuclear DNA (2 copies per cell) increases its persistence
and the chance for obtaining a result from DNA analysis.
- NFSTC
- The National Forensic Science Technology
Center provides audit services and accreditation of DNA laboratories.
- polymorphic
- Many forms. In this context it refers
to regions of the genome (DNA loci) that have multiple possibilities
for the repeat numbers present at each locus, making it less
likely that two individuals would have the same information
when multiple loci are examined. The variety of possibilities
(called alleles) present in a population make STR loci well-suited
to examination for the purpose of individual identification.
- profile
- A DNA profile refers to the collective
information obtained by examination (STR analysis in this
context) of multiple regions of DNA.
- qualified
expert
- Operationally defined, this refers
to an individual who has both the necessary credentials as
well as experience performing all relevant operations (all
phases of methodology for STR analysis and review) to perform
a legitimate scrutiny of the entire process. Familiarity with
procedures and expected outcomes (e.g., amount of DNA obtained
consistent with sample condition and sample size extracted;
analysis signal consistent with input DNA) is critical for
both test monitoring and case review functions. Absence of
expertise can result in failure to identify a potential problem
in the process or, conversely, identify a routine protocol
variation as problematic.
- STR
- Short Tandem Repeat refers to loci
that consist of short sequences (4 or 5 base-pair in this
context) of DNA, repeated in tandem in the genome (e.g., 11
copies of the same 4 base-pair sequence, one after the other).
There are hundreds of STR loci in the human genome and ~17
that are routinely used for human identification. Additional
information can be found at the following site: http://www.cstl.nist.gov/biotech/strbase/intro.htm
- Y-STR
- Short Tandem Repeat loci present on
the Y chromosome generally used for additional discrimination
in paternity testing or to identify the male source(s) of
DNA in certain instances of rape (e.g., vasectomized perpetrator;
multiple assailants). Additional information can be found
at the following site: http://www.cstl.nist.gov/biotech/strbase/y_strs.htm
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