- 01 Introduction
- 02 Biology of DNA
- 03 Practical Issues Specific to DNA Evidence
- 04 Introduction to the Forensic DNA Laboratory
- 05 Assuring Quality in DNA Testing
- 06 Understanding a Forensic DNA Lab Report
- 07 Statistics and Population Genetics
- 08 Mitochondrial DNA & Y-STR Analysis
- 09 Forensic DNA Databases
- 10 Collection of DNA Evidence from Suspects and Arrestees
- 11 Pretrial DNA Evidence Issues
- 12 Victim Issues
- 13 Trial Presentation
- 14 Postconviction DNA Cases
- 15 Emerging Trends
Principles of Forensic DNA
for Officers of the Court
for Officers of the Court
Module 15 :: Emerging Trends
Topic 3 :: Microbial Forensics and DNA Testing
Microbiology and Forensic DNA Typing
Scientists apply the principles of forensic science to microbiology (the study of microscopic organisms) and microbial epidemiology (the study of disease-causing organisms in populations). DNA analysis differentiates strains of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, which are highly genetically diverse. Once a strain is fully characterized, tracking its origin may be possible by looking for sources with similar or identical DNA profiles.
*video courtesy of the University of Leicester Microbiology Video Library
