Officials are using DNA identification techniques to confirm the victims' identities in the wake of the tragic Air India Boeing 787 accident in Ahmedabad

What does DNA identification entail?

DNA identification is the forensic method of correlating DNA from unidentified human remains with established biological samples.

The DNA of every person (excluding identical twins) is distinct, serving as a biological fingerprint that precisely identifies individuals.

How DNA Identification Functions?

Msample Gathering & Preservation:

DNA starts to deteriorate following death, particularly in warm and moist environments.

Investigators gather DNA from hard tissues (bones, teeth) or soft tissues (skin, muscle) and preserve them in ethanol or freeze at -20°C to avoid degradation.

Reference Alignment:

Reference DNA is obtained from immediate family members (parents, offspring, maternal or paternal relatives) or personal belongings (toothbrush, hairbrush) for analysis.

Matching establishes the connection and aids in verifying the identity of the remains.

Techniques for DNA Examination:

• Análisis de Repeticiones Cortas en Tándem (STR):
• Assesses recurring patterns in nuclear DNA.
• Typically utilized; precise when DNA is properly maintained.
• An examination of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA):
• Employed when nuclear DNA is compromised.

Passed down through the mother, thus it aligns with maternal family members.

Análisis de STR del cromosoma Y:

• Follows paternal ancestry through male-centric Y chromosomes.
• Beneficial when nearby maternal relatives cannot be accessed.
• Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs):
• Identifies single-nucleotide changes in extensively fragmented DNA.
• Not as precise as STR, but beneficial when reference DNA is limited.

Main Characteristics and Uses:

Gold Standard: Favored in large-scale disasters, conflicts, aircraft accidents, and criminal investigations.

Precision: Elevated specificity; capable of distinguishing individuals even from deteriorated remains.

Storage Critical: Needs stringent guidelines for maintenance to prevent data loss.

Global Application: Utilized by organizations globally, such as CBI, INTERPOL, and ICRC.

Legal Validity: Under the Indian Evidence Act, DNA evidence can be accepted in courts in India.