John R. Hoffman is a Professor of Biology, public speaker and a scientist examining the recovery of the nervous system after injury. Since 2006 he has written several unpublished manuscripts and he is currently working on the first Nathaniel Smythe novel and short story collection. He spends his spare time with his family and running.

28 DNA Testing

Objectives

By the end of this lecture, the student will be able to:

  1. Describe how DNA patterns can be used in identification.

DNA Testing

This lecture examines how DNA testing is used in determining paternity, genealogy, and forensic identifications. The handout for this presentation can be downloaded and printed.

Reading:

DNA Forensics (2009). Human Genome Project Information, Genomics.energy.gov

About Forensic DNA (????), DNA Initiative: Advancing criminal justice through DNA technology.

Assignment: When should information in a genetic census be used?

Discuss the following statement with your group: Assume for the sake of argument that a genetic census is completed and a national data base is created. Under what circumstances, if any, should the information be used? Does it matter if the databank is searched to identify a match for a bone marrow or blood transfusion, to identify potential donors for an organ transplant, or to identify the perpetrator of a violent crime?

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