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DNA test in a criminal investigation

The collected cells are broken open and the DNA is separated into single strands.

Illustrations copyright 2003 Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. http://www.nucleusinc.com

An electric current separates the strands into DNA pieces, which are then transferred to a nylon membrane soaked with a radioactive solution. The radioactive chemicals bind with the DNA. Photos of the criminal and suspect DNA are compared. The results in this case indicate that the suspect is not the criminal.

Primary Medical Reviewer Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH
- Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Renee H. Martin, PhD
- Medical Genetics
Last Updated April 26, 2007

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: April 26, 2007
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