ago@cel (11/09/90)
In article <1990Nov7.164402.1246@gdr.bath.ac.uk> mapmef@gdr.bath.ac.uk (M E Fletcher) writes: >I keep hearing about 'genetic fingerprinting' being used to >unequivocally identify rapists, sex-murderers etc. Presumably, this >refers to genetic material being matched with the suspect. My question >is, can such genetic information be extracted from any cells, such >as blood, skin etc or just semen? Do body fluids such as sweat or >saliva contain any identifying features or is everyone's the same? >Many thanks, > >Matthew Fletcher The process of 'genetic fingerprinting' uses the DNA from certain regions of particular chromosomes of the subject. These portions show high variability from individual to individual, but also show family traits - hence their use in tracking true (!) dependants of immigrants to the UK. The DNA can be extracted from any cells, although I believe that is is easier from some than others. Usually, a mouth swab is used forensically as I think cells from the lining of the mouth are easy to dislodge, and saliva will contain some cells anyway. As for other body fluids, clearly semen does contain cells ( sperm) but sweat wouldn't. I wouldn't expect everyone's sweat to be the same - similar, but it might need a good analytical technique to see differences; and whether those differences could nail an individual, I don't know. Clearly, sweat is different from indvidual to individual, as we all smell different! Any molecular biologists care to expand? Andy ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Andrew Oliver [ any opinions expressed here are purely Crosfield Electronics Ltd arbitrary, and liable to change Three Cherry Trees Lane without notice ] Hemel Hempstead, Herts HP2 7RH, England. +44 442 230000 ext 3375 ago@cel.co.uk -------------------------------------------------------------------------------