CRJS478 DB3

CRJS478-DB3

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DNA

DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid is the unique genetic code found in the genetic material of humans and animals. Upon the discovery of this unique genetic code, DNA began an incredibly useful tool for law enforcement. George Mendel was the first scientist to perform experiments based on human genetics. The discovery of DNA began with Fredrick Griffith who conducted experiments and pointed out DNA was the molecule of inheritance. Oswald Avery was next in advancing DNA when he was able to definitively prove the inheritance molecule followed by Watson and Cricks model of DNA, the double helix.

DNA is made up of a complex set of molecules that make up a unique code that can be identified to one person. DNA is made up of nucleotides. A nucleotide is made up of three parts: a phosphate group, a 5 carbon sugar (deoxyribose in DNA), and a nitrogenous base (Doublie, 1998). Nucleotides arrange themselves in unique patterns that make-up the DNA code. DNA is arranged in a ladder like structure known as the double helix.

The process by which DNA replicates is called cell replication. When cells split however not every cell will create new DNA. Before new cells can be created the DNA in a cell must replicate itself in order for the cell to divide (Ophardt, 2003). This process will be dependent whether or not the cell splitting is a prokaryote or a eukaryote. Each cell that splits will contains a new and an old strand of DNA. These strands of DNA wind together with proteins holding it together in order to form the double helix.

The relationship between DNA, genes, and chromosomes involves the relationship to heredity. Through this relationship the DNA pattern that is unique to every individual with the exception of identical twins. Every DNA strand has the genetic material passed on by former generations and are made of little chromosomes. DNA analysis allows forensic scientists to develop a DNA profile that can be used to be match to a criminal suspect or even the unidentified.

References

Doublie S., Tabor S., Long A., Richardson C., and Ellenberger T. (1998). Crystal Structure of a

Bacteriophage T7 DNA Replication complex at 2.2 A Resolution. Nature 391: 251-258.

Ophardt, C. (2003). DNA Replication. Retrieved November 26, 2013 from

http://www.elmhurst.edu/~chm/vchembook/582dnarep.html