Molecular biology - Forensic Medicine

Molecular biology

Every individual has a unique genetic profile and composition as result of the combination of his or her inherited genetic profiles. As DNA analysis is so conclusive, blood grouping and tissue typing are seldom used today.

Molecular biology can assist the forensic pathologist in a number of ways:

·              comparing biological material like semen or blood with an alleged suspect's genetic material: this is of major importance in cases of sexual assault

·              comparing an unknown individual's genetic profile with the profiles of possible family members, for example parents or siblings

·              comparing the genetic profile of an infant with an alleged parent (usually a father in a paternity dispute)