A Comparative Study on the Yield of DNA Extracted from Fresh & Condition Exposed Human Scalp Hair Samples

Author Name(s): *Ashish Badiye, Vaishali Badiye, Hansi Bansal, Mahesh Gaidhane, Srishti Kataria, Mansi Gupta
Author Email: the.name.is.ashish@gmail.com

Abstract

DNA profiling is a highly conclusive, informative procedure in identification of biological specimens. In the current study, Quantification of DNA was done to detect the concentration of DNA in the samples. Quantity of DNA was calculated by taking the absorbance of samples at 260 nm by Spectrophotometer. In total 100 samples of human scalp hairs were subjected for extraction and quantification of DNA. Samples were exposed to different atmospheric and physical condition like water, stagnant dirty water and detergent for a period of 5 days. Although the DNA quantification was possible from all samples subjected for analysis, it was found that there was an appreciable difference in the quantity of DNA extracted from sample exposed to different atmospheric and physical condition. When an inter comparison was done among the fresh samples and the samples exposed to different conditions it was found that the highest % difference in concentration was found to be among fresh sample and detergent condition sample. The results of the entire analysis showed the highest t-value between conditions was for the samples exposed to detergent condition and water conditions. The results of the entire analysis showed the lowest p-value between conditions was for the samples exposed to detergent condition and water conditions. A study in the similar line by considering more sample size and by considering more variables would definitely give greater scope for forensic scientists, DNA analysts & forensic serologist to scientifically validate the data generated through such kind of replicative studies which would in turn help them to conduct analysis, experiments involved in DNA analysis from scalp hair samples having root follicle cells collected from scene of crime, assailant, victims, weapons of assault, clothing, vehicles, cap, scarf, bandana, hat, mask, comb, etc.

Keywords

DNA Quantification, DNA from hair, Hair Evidence, DNA from Condition Exposed hair samples.

Introduction

Deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA, is the molecule of life. It is the chemical code specifying our function, appearance and pedigree and is unique for all individuals except identical twins. An individual’s DNA is formed by combination of DNA from his or her parents with half coming from the mother and half from the father. For this reason, DNA testing can be used as evidence of paternity of a child.
DNA is found in most cells of the body, including white blood cells, semen, hair roots and body tissue. Traces of DNA can be detected in body fluids such as saliva and perspiration. Mitochondrial DNA, which follows the maternal line of an individual, can be extracted from hair and bone samples. This can be used to examine relatedness and common ancestry between individuals, and to verify the identity of buried remains. This technique was used in the much publicized case of the Romanovs.
Forensic Science utilizes the properties of DNA in several ways. The adage “every contact leaves a trace” indicates the importance of a technique able to type trace amounts of genetic material left during the commission of a crime. Hairs or saliva left on a balaclava worn during a robbery, semen located at a rape scene, blood collected from an assault, perspiration on clothing, traces of assailant’s skin under a victim’s fingernails, can often be DNA profiled. This genetic information can then be used to include or exclude suspects as being the source of the genetic material.
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) contains the genetic information, used in the development and functioning of living organisms. DNA is often called as a ‘blueprint of life’, since it contains the hereditary information that an organism require to function. Genes are DNA segments hat carry genetic information. DNA profiling is a highly conclusive, informative procedure in identification of biological specimens, genomic diversity in population studies, characterization and tracing antiquity of ancient DNA and for diagnosis of a plethora of diseases.

Conclusion

The present study results are definitely giving scope for the extraction & quantification of DNA for individualization from the human scalp hairs (with root follicle cells) exposed to different atmospheric and physical conditions. A study in the similar line by considering more sample size and by considering more variables would definitely give greater scope for forensic scientists, DNA analysts & forensic serologist to scientifically validate the data generated through such kind of replicative studies which would in turn help them to conduct analysis, experiments involved in DNA analysis from scalp hair samples having root follicle cells collected from scene of crime, assailant, victims, weapons of assault, clothing, vehicles, cap, scarf, bandana, hat, mask, comb, etc.

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