- 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 4 :: Intro To the Lab
Topic 2 :: Laboratory Processes Used in Forensic DNA Analysis
STR Amplification
Amplification uses the PCR process to create copies of specific DNA target regions from the original sample. The STR amplification process also incorporates chemical labels (e.g. fluorescent dyes) for subsequent detection of target alleles.
The actual procedure involves the heating and cooling of samples in a specific pattern in an instrument called a thermal cycler. After approximately 30 cycles, a 'PCR Product' (amplicon or amplified product) is created and subsequently tested.
