zaro

What is DNA 17?

Published in Forensic DNA Analysis 2 mins read

DNA 17 is a forensic DNA profiling technique used for analyzing DNA samples. It's a significant advancement in DNA analysis because it examines more areas of the DNA than previous methods.

How DNA 17 Works

DNA 17 analyzes 17 different areas of DNA, specifically 16 short tandem repeats (STRs) located across the whole genome, plus one STR found only on the Y chromosome. This additional Y-chromosome STR determines the biological sex of the individual (XX for female, XY for male). This increased number of analyzed loci (compared to previous methods) provides more detailed information and greatly improves the accuracy of DNA profiling.

  • Increased Accuracy: The examination of 16 STRs, compared to the 10 used previously, provides a much higher level of accuracy in identifying individuals.
  • Sex Determination: The inclusion of a Y chromosome marker enables reliable determination of biological sex.
  • Improved Profiles from Degraded DNA: Methods like PowerPlex® ESX 17 are designed to obtain more complete profiles even from degraded DNA samples.
  • Standardization: DNA 17 aligns with recommendations from organizations like the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes (ENFSI) and the European DNA Profiling Group, promoting standardization in forensic science.

The UK adopted DNA 17 as its standard method in 2014, replacing earlier techniques. This shift represents a major step forward in forensic science, leading to improved accuracy and efficiency in criminal investigations.

Applications of DNA 17

DNA 17 has primarily been used in forensic science, particularly for criminal investigations, such as:

  • Linking suspects to crime scenes: By analyzing DNA samples found at a crime scene and comparing them to a suspect’s DNA, investigators can determine if there’s a match.
  • Identifying victims: DNA 17 can be used to identify victims of crimes or disasters, particularly when other identification methods aren't possible.
  • Paternity testing: While not the primary application, the method's high accuracy can contribute to resolving paternity cases.