The truth encoded in the genome
Differences in the DNA sequence are a unique signature, which in forensic science is often compared to the fingerprint. DNA variability arises due to various mechanisms and shows very large variations in scale. The smallest differences may concern individual methyl groups attached to cytosines, the largest ones include fragments with a length of millions of base pairs. During life, differences in the methylation pattern will also increase in DNA of monozygotic twins. Some of the differences that we observe in the DNA sequence affect the diversity of phenotypic traits. The genome is one of the most fascinating instructions that scientists try hard to get to know from when it became clear that the DNA contains all the necessary information needed for the life of a single cell and the entire organism. The information contained in the DNA is useful for identifying people with an undetermined identity. These investigations are conducted by forensic genetics.
Forensic genetics
can be defined as an application of genetic methods for more effective law enforcement. Modern forensic genetics has developed good methods for examining biological traces and samples that allow identifying people with an undetermined identity. As identification markers, microsatellite sequences are most commonly used. Evidence from DNA testing is valued by the justice system because of its high objectivity, reliability and high value, which is documented by the relevant statistical calculations. Therefore, the result of a DNA testing often strongly influences the verdict in court proceedings.