Wildlife DNA Analysis

1. Auflage 2013
ISBN: 978-0-470-66596-1
Verlag: Wiley

Buch, Englisch, 352 Seiten, Format (B × H): 170 mm x 244 mm, Gewicht: 621 g

WILDLIFE DNA ANALYSIS Applications in Forensic Science

DNA typing of non-human DNA is a fast developing area of research and professional practice. The application of DNA typing in wildlife forensic science is one of these prime uses of DNA typing and is gaining increasing profile. The use of DNA profiling in wildlife forensic science falls into two broad areas: species testing and genetic linkage. Species testing answers the question 'what species is this?' and genetic linkage answers the question 'did these two samples come from the same organism or population?' Wildlife DNA Analysis: Applications in Forensic Science provides an accessible introduction to both of these key areas.

Clearly structured throughout, the introduction highlights the different types of crime where these techniques are regularly used. This chapter includes a discussion as to who performs forensic wildlife examinations, the standardisation and validation of methods, and the role of the expert witness in this type of alleged crime. This is followed by a detailed section on the science behind DNA typing including the problems in isolating DNA from trace material and subsequent genetic analysis are also covered. The book then undertakes a comprehensive review of species testing using DNA, including a step-by-step guide to sequence comparisons. A comparison of the different markers used in species testing highlights the criteria for a genetic marker. A full set of case histories illustrates the use of the different markers used. The book details the use of genetic markers to link two or more hairs/feathers/leaves/needles to the same individual organism and the software used in population assignment. The problems and possibilities in isolating markers, along with the construction of allele databases are discussed. The book concludes with evaluation and reporting of genetic evidence in wildlife forensic science illustrated by examples of witness statements.
- An accessible introduction to this fast developing area of research within forensic science.
- Case studies throughout to link theory and practice and to highlight the use of DNA testing in species testing.
- Covers both crimes against wildlife and offences where wildlife can provide vital evidence.
- Assumes only a basic background knowledge of DNA.
- Includes a comprehensive review of species testing using DNA, including a step-by-step guide to sequence comparisons.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Linacre, Adrian

Tobe, Shanan

Fachgebiete

• Naturwissenschaften Biowissenschaften Biowissenschaften DNA und Transgene Organismen
• Naturwissenschaften Biowissenschaften Biowissenschaften Genetik und Genomik (nichtmedizinisch)
• Medizin | Veterinärmedizin Medizin | Public Health | Pharmazie | Zahnmedizin Medizinische Fachgebiete Forensik, Rechtsmedizin, Gerichtsmedizin

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Foreword ix

Preface xi

About the Authors xiii

Acknowledgements xv

1 Introduction 1

1.1 Importance of wildlife forensic science investigations 1

1.2 Role of forensic science in wildlife crimes 3

1.3 Legislation covering wildlife crime 4

1.4 Role of non-human DNA in forensic science 8

1.5 Development of wildlife DNA testing 9

1.5.1 History and current state of wildlife DNA forensic science 10

1.5.2 Wildlife forensic science testing 11

1.5.3 Performing DNA typing in wildlife investigations 13

1.6 Accreditation and certification 14

1.7 Standardisation and validation 20

1.8 Collection of evidential material, continuity of evidence and transportation to the laboratory 24

1.9 Note taking and maintenance of a casefile 29

1.10 Case assessment and initial testing 30

1.11 Scope of book 32

Useful websites 32

References 33

2 DNA, Genomes and Genetic Variation 37

2.1 Introduction 37

2.2 The DNA molecule 37

2.3 Chromosomes and nuclear DNA 39

2.4 Genomes 41

2.4.1 Nuclear DNA 41

2.4.2 Mitochondrial and chloroplast DNA 44

2.5 DNA mutation and genetic variation 47

2.5.1 Genetic variation of repetitive DNA 48

2.5.2 Single base changes leading to genetic variation 48

2.5.3 Genetic loci used in species testing 50

2.6 DNA polymorphisms leading to speciation 53

2.6.1 Genetic isolation 54

2.6.2 Other processes leading to speciation 56

2.7 What is a species? 56

2.7.1 Subspecies 60

2.7.2 Genus to Kingdom 61

2.8 Summary 63

References 64

3 Methods in Wildlife Forensic DNA Analysis 69

3.1 Introduction 69

3.2 Protein polymorphisms 69

3.3 DNA isolation, purification and concentration 70

3.3.1 Generic aspects of DNA isolation 70

3.3.2 Lysis step 71

3.3.3 DNA purification: silica-based extraction 72

Über Autor(innen)

Adrian M. T. Linacre, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia.

Shanan S. Tobe, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK.