July 1999 - Volume 1 - Number 2

 

Mitochondrial DNA Analysis at the FBI Laboratory

Jodi M. Moore
Biologist

Alice R. Isenberg
Forensic Examiner/Biologist

DNA Analysis Unit II
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Washington, DC

 

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Introduction

Mitochondrial DNA Background

Figure 1: Types of DNA

Figure 2: Maternal Inheritance

Figure 3: Organization of mtDNA

Analysis Procedures

Step 1: Primary Visual Analysis

Figure 4: Microscopic Comparison of Hairs

Step 2: Sample Preparation

Step 3: DNA Extraction

Step 4: Amplification by the Polymerase Chain Reaction

Figure 5: Polymerase Chain Reaction

Step 5: Postamplification Purification and Quantification

Figure 6: Capillary Electrophoresis

Step 6: Sequencing

Figure 7: Cycle Sequencing

Figure 8: Chromatogram of DNA Sequence

Interpretation Guidelines

Figure 9: Comparing mtDNA Sequences

Population Database

Reporting Statistics

Quality Assurance

Testimony

Concluding Remarks

References

Jodi M. Moore is now affiliated with DNA Analysis Unit I.