DNA Analysis in Forensic Science: Unraveling the Secrets of Genetic Evidence

Question 1

In PCR amplification, which enzyme plays a central role in DNA replication?

Accepted Answer

Polymerase

Answer

Helicase

Answer

Ligase

Answer

Restriction enzyme

Question 2

What is the primary significance of STR analysis in forensic DNA profiling?

Accepted Answer

It enables the identification of specific individuals.

Answer

It differentiates between identical twins.

Answer

It determines physical characteristics like eye and hair color.

Answer

It predicts susceptibility to certain diseases.

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a type of genetic marker used in DNA analysis?

Accepted Answer

Blood type

Answer

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)

Answer

Short tandem repeats (STRs)

Answer

Microsatellites

Question 4

How do DNA phenotyping and DNA profiling differ from each other?

Accepted Answer

Phenotyping predicts physical traits, while profiling identifies individuals.

Answer

Profiling predicts physical traits, while phenotyping identifies individuals.

Answer

They are essentially the same technique with different names.

Answer

Both predict physical traits and identify individuals.

Question 5

Which step is NOT included in the DNA profiling process?

Accepted Answer

Serology testing

Answer

Sample acquisition

Answer

DNA extraction

Answer

Gel electrophoresis

Question 6

What is the primary purpose of PCR amplification in forensic DNA analysis?

Accepted Answer

To make multiple copies of specific DNA sequences

Answer

To separate DNA fragments by size

Answer

To determine the genotype of an individual

Answer

To identify unknown individuals

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a limitation of DNA analysis in forensic science?

Accepted Answer

It can provide definitive identification of individuals

Answer

It requires specialized equipment and expertise

Answer

DNA samples can be easily contaminated

Answer

Results can sometimes be inconclusive

Question 8

What type of DNA analysis is used to trace ancestry and identify unknown individuals based on shared genetic information?

Accepted Answer

Genetic genealogy

Answer

DNA fingerprinting

Answer

Mitochondrial DNA analysis

Answer

Serological analysis

Question 9

Which technique is used to visualize DNA fragments separated by electrophoresis?

Accepted Answer

Gel staining

Answer

DNA sequencing

Answer

PCR amplification

Answer

Chromatography

Question 10

In forensic science, the primary objective of DNA profiling is to:

Accepted Answer

Identify suspects and link them to crime scenes

Answer

Determine the ancestry of an individual

Answer

Study human evolution

Answer

Track the spread of infectious diseases

Question 11

Which enzyme is responsible for cutting DNA at specific sequences, enabling DNA analysis?

Accepted Answer

Restriction enzyme

Answer

Polymerase

Answer

Ligase

Answer

Helicase

Question 12

Capillary electrophoresis is a technique used in DNA analysis to separate DNA fragments based on their:

Accepted Answer

Size

Answer

Sequence

Answer

Composition

Answer

Charge

Question 13

Genetic genealogy assists in forensic investigations primarily by:

Accepted Answer

Identifying unknown individuals using their distant relatives

Answer

Tracing the movement of suspects across international borders

Answer

Providing predictions of facial features based on DNA

Answer

Excluding suspects who do not share genetic characteristics

Question 14

The significance of a DNA match between two samples indicates that:

Accepted Answer

The individuals are likely related

Answer

The individuals are identical twins

Answer

The individuals are definitively guilty of a crime

Answer

The individuals share no genetic relationship

Question 15

The primary role of a DNA analyst in a forensic investigation is to:

Accepted Answer

Collect and analyze DNA samples

Answer

Issue search warrants for the seizure of DNA

Answer

Write scientific reports

Answer

Perform DNA sequencing

Question 16

In forensic investigations, which ethical concern is of utmost importance when using DNA analysis?

Accepted Answer

Privacy

Answer

Accuracy

Answer

Cost

Question 17

In forensic DNA analysis, what factor poses a significant challenge that can compromise the accuracy and reliability of the results?

Accepted Answer

Contamination

Answer

Limited sample availability

Answer

High cost of equipment

Answer

Complex interpretation

Question 18

What is the main reason for implementing quality controls in forensic DNA analysis?

Accepted Answer

To minimize the likelihood of incorrect positive results

Answer

To identify possible suspects

Answer

To determine the age of a sample

Question 19

When interpreting a DNA profile from a crime scene, which factors are crucial to consider?

Accepted Answer

Frequency of alleles in the population database

Accepted Answer

Quality of the DNA sample

Accepted Answer

Type of DNA analysis technique used

Answer

Age of the victim

Question 20

Which technique is NOT used in DNA analysis?

Accepted Answer

Chromatography

Answer

Gel electrophoresis

Answer

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Answer

Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP)

Question 21

What is the primary purpose of generating a DNA profile?

Accepted Answer

To identify individuals or link them to crime scenes

Answer

To predict future health risks

Answer

To determine the genetic makeup of an organism

Answer

To diagnose diseases

Question 22

Which of the following is a potential limitation of DNA analysis?

Accepted Answer

DNA can be easily degraded or contaminated

Answer

DNA analysis is very expensive

Answer

DNA analysis is always accurate

Answer

DNA can only be collected from blood samples

Question 23

In forensic science, what is the role of genetic genealogy?

Accepted Answer

To identify potential relatives of suspects or victims based on DNA evidence

Answer

To diagnose genetic disorders

Answer

To create a genetic database for use in criminal investigations

Answer

To predict the likelihood of an individual committing a crime

Question 24

Which of the following is classified as non-coding DNA?

Accepted Answer

Introns

Answer

Exons

Answer

Promoters

Answer

Genes

Question 25

What is the process by which DNA makes an identical copy of itself called?

Accepted Answer

DNA replication

Answer

Gene expression

Answer

Translation

Answer

Transcription

Question 26

Which enzyme is responsible for cutting DNA at specific sequences?

Accepted Answer

Restriction enzymes

Answer

DNA polymerase

Answer

Ligase

Answer

RNA polymerase

Question 27

What is the term for variations in the DNA sequence between individuals?

Accepted Answer

Genetic polymorphism

Answer

DNA fingerprint

Answer

Gene mutation

Answer

Karyotype

Question 28

What was the primary goal of the Human Genome Project?

Accepted Answer

To sequence and map the entire human genome

Answer

To identify all genes responsible for human diseases

Answer

To create genetically modified organisms

Answer

To develop new treatments for genetic disorders

Question 29

PCR is a technique used to:

Accepted Answer

Amplify small amounts of DNA for analysis

Answer

Determine the order of nucleotides in a DNA sequence

Answer

Separate DNA fragments based on size

Answer

Cut DNA at specific sequences

Question 30

Which type of enzyme is responsible for cutting DNA at specific sequences?

Accepted Answer

Restriction enzyme

Answer

Polymerase

Answer

Ligase

Answer

Helicase

Question 31

The method used to separate DNA fragments based on their size is:

Accepted Answer

Gel electrophoresis

Answer

PCR

Answer

DNA fingerprinting

Answer

DNA sequencing

Question 32

Genetic genealogy contributes to forensic science by:

Accepted Answer

Identifying unknown individuals through DNA analysis of family members

Answer

Creating personalized DNA profiles for individuals

Answer

Amplifying degraded DNA samples

Question 33

When using DNA evidence in forensic investigations, a crucial ethical consideration is:

Accepted Answer

Privacy concerns

Answer

Cost-effectiveness

Answer

Accuracy of results

Answer

Timeliness of analysis

Question 34

The primary role of DNA databases in forensic science is to:

Accepted Answer

Compare DNA profiles to identify suspects or victims

Answer

Store genetic information for medical research

Answer

Create personalized DNA profiles for individuals

Question 35

DNA sequencing enables scientists to:

Accepted Answer

Determine the order of nucleotides in a DNA sequence

Answer

Identify genetic similarities and differences between individuals

Answer

Amplify small amounts of DNA for analysis

Answer

Cut DNA at specific sequences

Question 36

Which common technique amplifies DNA in forensic analysis?

Accepted Answer

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Answer

Ligase bonding

Answer

Helicase unwinding

Answer

Restriction enzyme digestion

Question 37

What is the unique pattern of DNA fragments generated from an individual's DNA referred to as?

Accepted Answer

DNA fingerprint

Answer

Genetic code

Answer

PCR product

Answer

Genome sequence

Question 38

Which of the following is an application of DNA analysis in forensic science?

Accepted Answer

Identifying individuals or suspects

Answer

Predicting personality traits or future behavior

Answer

Determining hair color or eye color

Answer

Finding lost pets

Question 39

What is the primary purpose of genetic genealogy in forensic DNA analysis?

Accepted Answer

Identifying unknown suspects through familial searching

Answer

Determining paternity or maternity

Answer

Predicting future health risks

Question 40

How can DNA analysis assist in solving cold cases?

Accepted Answer

Re-examining old evidence and aiding in identifying new suspects

Answer

Reversing aging processes

Answer

Predicting future crimes

Question 41

What are potential advancements in DNA analysis for forensic science?

Accepted Answer

Enhanced sequencing technologies and improved DNA databases

Answer

Replacing traditional investigative methods entirely

Answer

Decreased accuracy and reliability

Answer

Eliminating human error completely

Question 42

Which of the following is NOT a technique used in modern DNA profiling?

Accepted Answer

Paper chromatography

Answer

DNA sequencing

Answer

Capillary electrophoresis

Answer

PCR

Question 43

What is the primary purpose of using restriction enzymes in DNA analysis?

Accepted Answer

To cut DNA at specific recognition sequences

Answer

To identify specific genes

Answer

To amplify DNA

Answer

To separate DNA fragments by size

Question 44

Which of the following is an example of a short tandem repeat (STR) marker commonly used in DNA profiling?

Accepted Answer

D3S1358

Answer

Alu

Answer

LINE-1

Answer

VNTR

Question 45

What is a key characteristic of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) that makes it valuable for forensic analysis?

Accepted Answer

It is inherited exclusively from the mother

Answer

It mutates rapidly

Answer

It is found in all body cells

Answer

It is highly polymorphic

Question 46

What is the primary role of genetic genealogy in criminal investigations?

Accepted Answer

To assist in identifying unknown suspects or victims through familial searching

Answer

To determine the cause of death

Answer

To exclude potential suspects

Answer

To analyze DNA evidence from crime scenes

Question 47

What is the main purpose of the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) in DNA analysis?

Accepted Answer

To amplify specific DNA sequences exponentially

Answer

To separate DNA fragments by size

Answer

To cut DNA at specific sequences

Answer

To identify specific genes

Question 48

What is the primary benefit of establishing a comprehensive DNA database for criminal investigations?

Accepted Answer

To facilitate the identification and linking of suspects to unsolved crimes

Answer

To assist in missing person cases

Answer

To study the prevalence of genetic diseases

Answer

To provide personalized medicine for individuals

Question 49

Which of the following biomolecules primarily constitutes the DNA structure?

Accepted Answer

Nucleotide

Answer

Protein

Answer

Amino acid

Answer

Lipid

Question 50

What is the specific process employed to extract DNA from a biological sample?

Accepted Answer

DNA extraction

Answer

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)

Answer

Electropheresis

Question 51

In the DNA analysis technique known as electrophoresis, what type of gel is utilized to facilitate the separation of DNA fragments?

Accepted Answer

Agarose gel

Answer

Cellulose acetate gel

Answer

Polyacrylamide gel

Answer

Silica gel

Question 52

Which of the following statements accurately describes a notable limitation of DNA profiling?

Accepted Answer

It cannot conclusively distinguish between identical twins.

Answer

It is prohibitively expensive.

Answer

Its results are inadmissible in legal proceedings.

Question 53

What is the primary role of genetic genealogy in forensic science?

Accepted Answer

Utilizing DNA data to identify potential relatives of an unknown individual

Answer

Diagnosing genetic disorders

Answer

Determining the biological father of a child

Question 54

Which of the following types of polymerase enzymes is NOT used in PCR?

Accepted Answer

RNA polymerase

Answer

Taq polymerase

Answer

Klenow polymerase

Answer

Pfu polymerase

Question 55

What is the primary purpose of a DNA database?

Accepted Answer

Storing and comparing DNA profiles for identification purposes

Answer

Sequencing the entire human genome

Answer

Identifying genetic disorders

Question 56

Which of the following ethical concerns is associated with the use of DNA analysis in forensic science?

Accepted Answer

Potential privacy breaches and the risk of discrimination

Answer

The high cost of DNA testing

Answer

Concerns about the accuracy of DNA analysis

Question 57

Which type of DNA mutation is most commonly observed?

Accepted Answer

Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)

Answer

Inversion

Answer

Insertion

Answer

Deletion