Multiple Choice
Which of the following is NOT a use of DNA fingerprinting?
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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) containing cells with nuclei
B
The hair medulla (central core)
C
The hair cortex (middle keratinized layer)
D
The hair shaft cuticle (outermost layer)
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that nuclear DNA is found inside the nuclei of cells, so the part of the hair containing intact cells with nuclei is most likely to have nuclear DNA.
Recall the structure of a hair: the hair shaft consists of the cuticle (outer layer), cortex (middle layer), and medulla (central core), while the hair follicle (root) contains living cells.
Recognize that the hair shaft (cuticle, cortex, and medulla) is mostly made of keratinized, dead cells that lack nuclei, so they contain little to no nuclear DNA.
Identify that the hair follicle (root) contains living cells with nuclei, making it the best source for extracting nuclear DNA suitable for STR (Short Tandem Repeat) profiling.
Conclude that for forensic DNA analysis, the hair follicle (root) is the preferred part of the hair to obtain nuclear DNA for STR profiling.
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