Microsatellite autoradiogram: CSI Homework
Blood
from a murder victim has been typed with four loci from the
CODIS set [middle lane]. The murder occurred in the
family home: the suspects include the victim's son and
brother. The victim's blood [middle lane] has been
compared with six forensic samples found at the
scene [three adjacent lanes on either side of the middle
lane]. (1) Ascertain
which (if any) of the forensic samples is a match to
the victim. (2)
Could one of the samples be from the son
of the victim? Which? Explain
your reasoning. (3) Could one of the samples be
from the brother of
the victim? Which? Explain
your reasoning.
HINT: Two brothers are expected to share half their alleles with each other, and a son should share half his alleles with his father. Explain the difference between "expected" and "should": how does this help your reasoning?
HINT: Two brothers are expected to share half their alleles with each other, and a son should share half his alleles with his father. Explain the difference between "expected" and "should": how does this help your reasoning?
Figure & text
©2026 by Steven M. Carr