- 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
Module 3 :: Practical Issues
Topic 1 :: Crime Scene Issues Related to DNA Evidence
Degradation
Degradation is the breaking down of DNA into smaller fragments by chemical or physical processes. Degradation of DNA may limit its use as evidence.
When DNA degrades, the DNA strand starts to break apart and these breaks can be at the sites where the DNA profiles are obtained. Because of the damage of the strand, none or only some of the 13 loci as required by the National DNA Database (CODIS) may be obtained. Access information about CODIS at http://www.fbi.gov/hq/lab/codis/index1.htm
