Forensic Science And Profiling - Qp2

Mishandling of evidence at a crime scene can cause contamination of DNA. This is because DNA can easily be transferred from one surface to another through contact, and if proper protocols are not followed, the evidence can become contaminated with DNA from individuals who were not present at the crime scene. Contamination of DNA can lead to inaccurate results during forensic analysis, potentially affecting the outcome of the investigation and the identification of the perpetrator. Therefore, it is crucial to handle and preserve evidence carefully to maintain its integrity.

DNA is indeed an abbreviation for Deoxyribonucleic Acid. This molecule carries the genetic instructions for the development, functioning, and reproduction of all known living organisms. It is composed of two strands that coil around each other to form a double helix structure. The discovery of DNA's structure and its role in heredity revolutionized the field of biology and has had profound implications in various scientific disciplines.

The correct answer is 1953. In 1953, James Watson and Francis Crick published their groundbreaking paper in the journal Nature, where they proposed the structure of DNA as a double helix. This discovery was a major breakthrough in understanding the genetic code and laid the foundation for modern molecular biology.

The five nucleotides are composed of a base with a nitrogen (N) atom, which is one of the key components of nucleotides. This nitrogenous base is responsible for forming hydrogen bonds with complementary bases in DNA and RNA. Additionally, nucleotides also contain an ion of phosphoric acid, which provides the negative charge necessary for the formation of the DNA and RNA backbone. The six-carbon sugar is not a component of nucleotides, as they are composed of a five-carbon sugar called deoxyribose in DNA and ribose in RNA.

The statement is false because amplified DNA is not a method developed to prove a relationship between individuals. Amplified DNA refers to the process of creating multiple copies of a specific DNA sequence through a technique called polymerase chain reaction (PCR). This technique is commonly used in various fields such as research, forensic analysis, and medical diagnostics, but it does not directly prove a relationship between individuals. Relationship testing typically involves analyzing specific genetic markers or DNA profiles to determine if individuals share a common genetic inheritance.

The given statement is incorrect. Mitochondrial DNA is actually the maternal DNA. Mitochondria are inherited from the mother, as the sperm's mitochondria do not usually enter the egg during fertilization. Therefore, mitochondrial DNA is passed down from generation to generation through the maternal lineage.

The word 'forensic' does not originate from the Italian forensis.