Applications of Molecular Biology to Analyses of Forensic Evidence

Immunohistochemical distribution of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE) isoenzymes in the human vagina: A potential forensic value?

“…Thus, it has been suggested that there is a need to introduce new techniques, utilising molecular biology as well as the immunohistochemical detection of estrogen receptors, to allow accurate identification of vaginal epithelial cells. 11,12 Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs) belong to a large and heterogenous family of hydrolytic enzymes, not only characterized by different biochemical and molecular genetic properties but also their distribution and regulatory significance in various tissues of the human body. PDEs play a key role in the control of multiple organ and tissue functions mediated by intracellular cyclic nucleotide-dependent signaling pathways.…”

A Grass Molecular Identification System for Forensic Botany: A Critical Evaluation of the Strengths and Limitations*

“…A number of methods are currently utilized to identify the biological origin of an unknown sample to higher taxonomic levels or for discriminating between closely related and morphologically similar organisms. These methods have been applied in forensic investigations (2–4), for biodiversity evaluation (5), and for the species or cultivar identification of plants (6–11). An important consideration in the development of a molecular system for species identification is that despite the availability of a range of DNA profiling techniques, not all techniques will meet forensic standards or be transferable among forensic laboratories because they suffer from problems of specificity, reproducibility, and profile complexity, and can therefore be discarded as evidence in the courtroom.…”

Forensic Science

“…Forensic DNA analysis systems, including RFLP and HLA-DQA1, are reviewed (595). RFLP and PCR methods for forensic DNA analysis are reviewed (596). The history of forensic DNA analysis is reviewed (597).…”