Counsel in a trial are arguing that a DNA analysis isn’t proof that a particular person was at the scene of a crime. As a DNA analyst, DeShawn identified one point that clearly matches the DNA sample and the suspect’s DNA. What should DeShawn’s response as an expert witness be?

Question

A.
Agree with the lawyer that one matching point is likely to be a coincidence.
B.
Argue that the DNA, combined with other testimony, makes the suspect likely to have been there.
C.
Argue that even one point of similarity in a DNA profile means the chances of a mistake are one in a billion.
D.
Argue that the suspect is clearly guilty, and the DNA analysis is irrelevant.

Answer 1

Counsel in a trial are arguing that a DNA analysis isn’t proof that a particular person was at the scene of a crime. As a DNA analyst, DeShawn identified one point that clearly matches the DNA sample and the suspect’s DNA. What should DeShawn’s response as an expert witness be?
A.
Agree with the lawyer that one matching point is likely to be a coincidence.
B.
Argue that the DNA, combined with other testimony, makes the suspect likely to have been there.
C.
Argue that even one point of similarity in a DNA profile means the chances of a mistake are one in a billion.
D.
Argue that the suspect is clearly guilty, and the DNA analysis is irrelevant.

Answer 2

C. Argue that even one point of similarity in a DNA profile means the chances of a mistake are one in a billion.

Answer 3

Humans and chimpanzees share about 98.8 percent of the genetic code. This sounds very close—it’s only 1.2 percent different—until what information is remembered to provide perspective?
A.
1.2 percent represents about 100 different base pairs.
B.
Humans and chimpanzees evolved around the same time period.
C.
1.2 percent represents 36 million different base pairs.
D.
We both walk upright and use tools.

Answer 4

C. 1.2 percent represents 36 million different base pairs.

Answer 5

The final stage of polymerase chain reaction, where special enzymes attach to primers and attach complementary bases along the strand to create a new strand of DNA that binds to the original strand, is called what?
A.
annealing
B.
denaturing
C.
extension
D.
hybridization

Answer 6

C. extension

Answer 7

Where is mitochondrial DNA found in relation to the cell?
A.
inside the nucleus
B.
inside the cell, but outside the nucleus
C.
outside the cell
D.
inside the nucleus of buccal cells

Answer 8

B. inside the cell, but outside the nucleus