Forensic Genetics

Forensic Genetics is a specialized branch of genetics that applies molecular biology techniques to legal and criminal investigations. It focuses on analyzing DNA, RNA, and other genetic materials to identify individuals, determine biological relationships, and assist in solving crimes. A major application is DNA profiling, which compares genetic markers from crime scene samples with those of suspects or reference databases to establish identity with high precision. Techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), short tandem repeat (STR) analysis, and mitochondrial DNA sequencing are widely used.Forensic genetics plays a vital role in criminal investigations, paternity and kinship testing, disaster victim identification, and locating missing persons. It also helps exonerate the innocent and provides critical evidence in legal proceedings. Beyond human cases, it aids in wildlife conservation and the detection of illegal trade in endangered species. While powerful, it raises ethical and legal concerns, including privacy, consent, and data misuse. By linking molecular biology and criminal justice, forensic genetics is indispensable in modern forensic science.

  • Genetic Markers
  • Mitochondrial DNA
  • Massively Parallel Sequencing (MPS)
  • Y-Chromosome and X-Chromosome DNA
  • Genetic Genealogy
  • DNA Extraction and Quantification