Biology

[equalsmcsquared.livejournal.com]

Good day, everyone. *glancing out over the class* For those of you who managed to avoid the zombies, good job. And those of you who actively fought the zombies now have extra credit. Decomp formula is in the back if needed.

Today we will begin talking about DNA in the forensic sense.

Any type of organism can be identified by examination of DNA sequences unique to that species. Identifying individuals within a species is less precise at this time, although when DNA sequencing technologies progress farther, direct comparison of very large DNA segments, and possibly even whole genomes, will become feasible and practical and will allow precise individual identification.

To identify individuals, forensic scientists scan 13 DNA regions that vary from person to person and use the data to create a DNA profile of that individual (sometimes called a DNA fingerprint). There is an extremely small chance that another person has the same DNA profile for a particular set of regions.

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[addams-daughter.livejournal.com]

Wednesday arrives a little late, looking very much as if she'd met with some accident along the way. Her skirt is ripped and there's a long tear in the side of her backpack, which she is carrying in one hand. Wearing a look of supreme irritation, she apologizes to Professor Sidle and finds a seat in the back.

[equalsmcsquared.livejournal.com]

Not a problem, Wednesday. *a concerned look* Is everything all right?

[addams-daughter.livejournal.com]

"Not exactly, Professor." Wednesday frowned. "The walk to school this morning was slightly more invigorating than I'd planned. I think there may be a pooka out at Galactica Point because a giant white lobster tried to follow me to class. I lost it when I cut through the junk yard, I hope."