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DNA—Mitochondrial
Mission
The DNA Analysis Unit II (DNAAU-2) examines biological items of evidence
from crime scenes to determine the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence
from samples such as hair, bones, and teeth. Typically, these items contain
low concentrations of degraded DNA, making them unsuitable for nuclear
DNA examinations. DNAAU-2 also maintains the National Missing Person
DNA Database (NMPDD) program for the identification of missing and unidentified
persons and the Scientific Working Group DNA Analysis Methods (SWGDAM)
mtDNA Population Database, which is an integrated software and database
resource for forensic comparison.
The Team
Biologists, forensic examiners, and management
and program analysts
The Work
mtDNA
The high sensitivity of mtDNA analysis allows forensic scientists to obtain information
from old items of evidence associated with cold cases and small pieces
of evidence containing little biological material. Additionally the maternal
inheritance of mtDNA allows scientists to compare the mtDNA profile of
a set of remains to that of reference samples from individuals such as
the mother, brother(s), sister(s), or any other maternally related individuals
of a missing person. These samples should have the same mtDNA profiles
because all maternal relatives inherit the same mtDNA. Since mtDNA is maternally
inherited and multiple individuals can have the same mtDNA type, unique
identifications are not possible using mtDNA analyses. However, mtDNA is
an excellent technique to use for obtaining information in cases where
nuclear DNA analysis is not feasible.
National Missing
Persons DNA Database (NMPDD)
On May 4, 2001, the Laboratory Division initiated
the NMPDD program for the identification of missing and unidentified persons
using the National DNA Index System (NDIS) of the Combined DNA Index
System (CODIS). The NMPDD contains three parts in which missing and unidentified
person DNA profiles can be entered: biological relatives of missing persons,
unidentified human remains, and missing persons.
Regional mtDNA Labs
The FBI Laboratory has partnered with four regional crime laboratories to augment
the nation's capacity to perform mtDNA analysis in forensic and missing person
cases. This analysis is conducted free-of-charge to state and local law enforcement
agencies.
Scientific Working Group of
DNA Analysis Methods (SWGDAM) mtDNA Population Database
DNAAU-2 maintains the SWGDAM mtDNA Population Database.
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