- 01 Introduction
- 02 Biology of DNA
- 03 Practical Issues Specific to DNA Evidence
- 04 Introduction to the Forensic DNA Laboratory
- 05 Assuring Quality in DNA Testing
- 06 Understanding a Forensic DNA Lab Report
- 07 Statistics and Population Genetics
- 08 Mitochondrial DNA & Y-STR Analysis
- 09 Forensic DNA Databases
- 10 Collection of DNA Evidence from Suspects and Arrestees
- 11 Pretrial DNA Evidence Issues
- 12 Victim Issues
- 13 Trial Presentation
- 14 Postconviction DNA Cases
- 15 Emerging Trends
Principles of Forensic DNA
for Officers of the Court
for Officers of the Court
Module 2 :: Biology of DNA
Topic 1 :: Biological Terminology
Nuclear DNA
Nuclear DNA is packaged into chromosomes within the nucleus of a cell. Nucleated cells contain 23 pairs of chromosomes (46 total) — half inherited from each parent.
Notable exception: Each individual sperm contains only 23 chromosomes. Forensic scientists look at multiple sperm, which collectively provide the full complement of 46 chromosomes.
Click here to view an animation about how a child inherits genes from its parents.
