Multiple Choice
In forensic DNA analysis, which part of a hair is most likely to contain nuclear DNA suitable for STR profiling?
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18. Molecular Genetic Tools
Methods for Analyzing DNA
Multiple Choice
In forensic DNA analysis, which part of a hair is most likely to contain nuclear DNA suitable for STR profiling?
A
The hair follicle (root bulb) with attached cells
B
The hair shaft cortex
C
The medulla of the hair shaft
D
The hair cuticle
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the structure of a hair: it consists of the hair shaft (which includes the cuticle, cortex, and medulla) and the hair follicle (root bulb) at the base.
Recall that nuclear DNA is primarily found in the nuclei of cells, so the part of the hair containing living or recently living cells will have the most nuclear DNA.
Recognize that the hair shaft (cuticle, cortex, medulla) is mostly composed of keratinized, dead cells and contains little to no nuclear DNA.
Identify that the hair follicle (root bulb) contains actively dividing cells with intact nuclei, making it the richest source of nuclear DNA for STR profiling.
Conclude that for forensic DNA analysis, the hair follicle (root bulb) with attached cells is the most suitable part of the hair to obtain nuclear DNA for STR profiling.
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