Biology · Law Legal Studies

Forensic Science Techniques

725 Questions

Forensic science techniques involve the application of scientific methods like DNA fingerprinting, biometrics, and trace evidence analysis to solve crimes. These topics appear in specialized law enforcement and general science exams. Practice these questions to understand forensic fundamentals.

DNA fingerprinting methodsTrace evidence transferBiometrics and identificationForensic pathology

Forensic Science Techniques Questions

Multiple choice

Which technique is useful in solving mysteries related to robberies and thefts?

  1. Radiocarbon dating

  2. Computer tomography

  3. Gene cloning

  4. DNA fingerprinting
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

DNA fingerprinting is a forensic technique that analyzes unique patterns in an individual's DNA. It is widely used in criminal investigations to identify suspects, link suspects to crime scenes, or exonerate innocent people based on biological evidence like hair, blood, or saliva.

Multiple choice

Which among the following methods is utilised by the scientists to measure the expression levels of large numbers of genes simultaneously or to genotype multiple regions of a genome of an individual?

  1. Short tandem repeat (STR) analysis

  2. Restriction fragment length polymorphism

  3. DNA microarray

  4. Whole genome sequencing

  5. Northern blot
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

A DNA microarray is a collection of microscopic DNA spots attached to a solid surface. Scientists use DNA microarrays to measure the expression levels of large numbers of genes simultaneously or to genotype multiple regions of a genome.

Multiple choice

Alec Jeffrey is associated with

  1. Polymerase chain reaction

  2. Recombinant DNA technology

  3. Southern blotting

  4. DNA finger printing
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

DNA finger printing was discovered by Alec Jeffrey.

Multiple choice

Which of the following DNA profiling techniques is employed where a differential extraction of DNA is not possible?

  1. RFLP analysis (Restriction fragment length polymorphism)

  2. PCR analysis (polymerase chain reaction)

  3. STR analysis (Short tandem repeats)

  4. AmpFLP (Amplified fragment length polymorphism)

  5. Y-chromosome analysis
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
E Correct answer
Explanation

Recent innovations have included the creation of primers targeting polymorphic regions on the Y-chromosome (Y-STR), which allows resolution of a mixed DNA sample from a male and female or cases in which a differential extraction is not possible. Y-chromosomes are paternally inherited, so Y-STR analysis can help in the identification of paternally related males.

Multiple choice

DNA microarray analysis is one of the fastest-growing new technologies in the field of genetic research. Which among the following statements does not characterizes the process of DNA microarray?

  1. DNA microarrays involves the hybridization between two DNA strands.

  2. DNA microarrays can be used to detect single nucleotide polymorphisms.

  3. DNA microarray experiment can accomplish many genetic tests in parallel.

  4. Probe-target hybridization is usually detected and quantified by detection of fluorophore-, platinum -, or chemiluminescence-labeled targets.

  5. A DNA microarray is a collection of microscopic DNA spots attached to a solid surface.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Probe-target hybridization is usually detected and quantified by detection of fluorophore-, silver-, or chemiluminescence-labeled targets to determine relative abundance of nucleic acid sequences in the target.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a computational tool used to calculate theoretical polymerase chain reaction results using a given set of primers to amplify DNA sequences from a sequenced genome?

  1. Allele-specific PCR

  2. Hot start PCR

  3. Dial-out PCR

  4. Digital PCR

  5. In silico PCR
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
E Correct answer
Explanation

In silico PCR refers to computational tools used to calculate theoretical polymerase chain reaction results using a given set of primers to amplify DNA sequences from a sequenced genome or transcriptome.

Multiple choice

Directions: Choose the correct sentence that completes the paragraph.

S1: The term biometrics refers to measurable characteristics that is unique to an individual. S2: ___ S3: Thus, they help in identifying management globally.

  1. These characteristics are finger points, facial structure, etc.

  2. An individual is a person.

  3. Characters are not known to be specific.

  4. None of these
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

'Characteristics' in S1 is mentioned in option 1. Thus, it is the correct answer.

Multiple choice

Which among the following statements is/are not true?

  1. The Northern blotting is a laboratory method used to detect specific RNA molecules from a mixture of RNA molecules.

  2. PCR is a laboratory technique for amplifying a specific DNA sequence.

  3. Electroporation used to transfer polar molecules like DNA into host cells.

  4. The Southern blotting technique depends on similarities between the sequences of probe RNA and experimental RNA.

  5. Gel electrophoresis is a basic technique used to separate DNA, RNA or proteins.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The Southern blotting technique is a laboratory method used to detect specific DNA molecules from among a many other DNA molecules. The Southern blotting technique depends on similarities between the sequences of probe DNA and experimental DNA.

Multiple choice

Directions: The first and the last sentences of a passage are numbered 1 and 6, respectively. The rest of the passage is split into four parts, named A, B, C and D. These four parts are not given in their proper order. Read the sentences and find out which of the following combinations is correct.

  1. Biometric identifiers are often categorised as physiological versus behavioural characteristics. A. Since biometric identifiers are unique to individuals, they are more reliable in verifying identity than token and knowledge-based methods. B. More traditional means of identification include token-based systems, such as a driver's license or passport, and knowledge-based systems, such as a password or personal identification number. C. Behavioural characteristics are related to the behaviour of a person, including typing rhythm, gait, and voice. D. Physiological characteristics are related to the shape of the body, which include fingerprint, face recognition, DNA, palm print, hand geometry and iris recognition.
  2. However, the collection of biometric identifiers raises privacy concerns about the ultimate use of this information.

  1. CDBA

  2. DBAC

  3. BADC

  4. CBDA

  5. ADBC
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The sentences are logically linked in this. Sentence 1 tells the classification in order, which then will be organised in the pattern DC as both are in that order. “Token and knowledge-based methods” find mention again in A continued from B, so A follows B. Hence, the order becomes CDBA.

Multiple choice

Modern forensic scientists are using a most developed tool, namely,

  1. NMR imaging

  2. Enzymology

  3. DNA Finger Printing

  4. Ultra Sound
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

DNA fingerprinting is the most revolutionary forensic tool for identification, using unique genetic profiles to match suspects to crime scene evidence. It has transformed criminal investigation with high precision. NMR is medical imaging, enzymology studies enzyme reactions, and ultrasound is diagnostic imaging.

Multiple choice

Consider the following features of DNA (1) DNA is a large molecule in human cells and contains the genetic information about that person. (2) The chemical composition of DNA of an individual is rarely found in another person. (3) Excepting the identical twins, no two persons are the same on the basis of the chemical composition of DNA. Which of these feature(s) of DNA has/have been found useful in criminal investigations?

  1. 1 only

  2. 1 and 2

  3. 1 and 3

  4. 2 only
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The chemical uniqueness of DNA (except in identical twins) makes it invaluable for criminal identification. Features 1 and 3 are correct - DNA contains genetic information, and no two individuals (except identical twins) have the same DNA composition. Feature 2 is incorrect because DNA composition CAN be found in other people - relatives share similar DNA patterns.

Multiple choice

First person to be convicted by the process of DNA fingerprinting.

  1. Sully Prudhomme

  2. Colin Pitchfork

  3. Jean Henri

  4. Withelm Conrad
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Colin Pitchfork was the first person convicted using DNA fingerprinting in 1988 in Leicester, England. He was arrested for two murders and the new DNA technology proved his guilt. The other options are incorrect names unrelated to forensic science.