Can you please check my answer and make sure it is correct.    Question: How can DNA evidence be used to convict or exonerate a defendant? Why is DNA evidence so powerful?    Answer: DNA evidence can be used to perform DNA profiling to determine the genotype of the specific DNA sample. With just a small amount of DNA, PCR can produce billions of copies of that specific segment. The segments that are used are from non-coding regions that contain STR’s or short tandem repeats. These very short DNA sequences are repeated and are specific to individuals because we inherit them from our mother and father. Gel electrophoresis separates the PCR products based on their size and each band is compared to the allele ladder. This process helps to identify the alleles present in the original samples. DNA profiling is performed at many loci to be able to tell the genetic difference between different individuals with a lot of certainty. The DNA from the different suspects is compared to the allele ladder which helps identify which suspect is guilty or which individual and therefore their DNA was present at the crime scene. It can also be used to exonerate a defendant if the alleles on the gel do not have similarities.

Human Heredity: Principles and Issues (MindTap Course List)
11th Edition
ISBN:9781305251052
Author:Michael Cummings
Publisher:Michael Cummings
Chapter14: Biotechnology And Society
Section14.6: Dna Profiles As Tools For Identification
Problem 1EG: Suppose you are arrested for a serious crime and a DNA profile is created and entered into...
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Can you please check my answer and make sure it is correct. 

 

Question: How can DNA evidence be used to convict or exonerate a defendant? Why is DNA evidence so powerful? 

 

Answer:

DNA evidence can be used to perform DNA profiling to determine the genotype of the specific DNA sample. With just a small amount of DNA, PCR can produce billions of copies of that specific segment. The segments that are used are from non-coding regions that contain STR’s or short tandem repeats. These very short DNA sequences are repeated and are specific to individuals because we inherit them from our mother and father. Gel electrophoresis separates the PCR products based on their size and each band is compared to the allele ladder. This process helps to identify the alleles present in the original samples. DNA profiling is performed at many loci to be able to tell the genetic difference between different individuals with a lot of certainty. The DNA from the different suspects is compared to the allele ladder which helps identify which suspect is guilty or which individual and therefore their DNA was present at the crime scene. It can also be used to exonerate a defendant if the alleles on the gel do not have similarities. 

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