Exploiting biological materials in forensic science

One of the important problems in forensic science is the limited availability of biological samples left behind at the scene of the crime. Research in the area of obtaining DNA data from such limited biological samples has resulted in successful court convictions. The ability to carry out DNA fingerprinting from such minute sources relies both on the successful extraction of DNA as well as its subsequent characterisation and analysis. Improved techniques designed to obtain DNA from such samples combined with a small-volume polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and highly informative genetic markers will mean that law enforcement agencies will increasingly be better equipped to deal with violent crime. This review describes some of the sources from which DNA is obtained as well as the techniques used to derive from them valuable genetic information.