DNA Forensics in the case of Dindin

DNA Forensics in the case of Dindin DNA Forensics is the most accurate method of determining the identity of an individual but, like any other molecular biotechnology, involves a complicated process. As stated in www.forensicscience.org, “Through DNA testing, law enforcement officers are able to identify human remains or the individual responsible for a crime. DNA testing is a highly advanced scientific process that involves replicating the human DNA sequence to create a genetic map of an individual. Because of its reliability, DNA testing has become a significant factor in criminal cases.” DNA testing, or more specifically Parental testing, was the method used by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to identify the body of Geraldine “Dindin” Palma. The process begins with extracting DNA from a tissue or cell, in Dindin’s case, extracting the DNA from her femur tissues, then amplifying this strip of DNA through the polymerase chain reaction. After, a restriction enzyme is used to cut the DNA into fragments which are separated through electrophoresis. Lastly, radioactive material is added to make these fragments visible. DNA testing will take at least 5 days to complete. These DNA fragments are compared to those of the parents’. If a parent is a biological parent of a child, the “probability of parentage” will be 99.99% and they are not related at all, will be 0%. In Dindin’s case, her mother, Felma Estravela, was found to have 99.99% probability of being her mother but interestingly, it was discovered that her father, “Gerald Palma,” was not her biological father. DNA testing is the most accurate and advanced method of identifying a body but is not entirely flawless. In Dindin’s case, it took two years to come to a conclusion because the large amount of formalin in the body made it difficult to extract DNA. Another instance, although rare, is when an individual possesses two different sets of genes which can cause the result to yield a 0% probability

Bibliography: Araneta, Sandy. "NBI Identifies Body of Girl in Suitcase." Philstar.com. N.p., 16 July 2009. Web. 19 Jan. 2014. . "Forensic Science." DNA Forensics. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Jan. 2014. .