Murder Mystery
In this project we used a range of techniques from the field of forensic science to solve a hypothetical crime. We were given a crime scene scenario and a given amount of evidence. We also had access to biological information from each of the suspects that we had to process. From there we used many specific techniques that allowed us to process all of this data into evidence that helped us solve the case. We used fingerprinting, studied karyotypes of all suspects for possible genetic disorders, learned how to find blood type, and applied that information through logical deduction. We also used ink chromatography, behavioral analysis, and pedigree charts, to determine the murderer.
Concepts
Genetic Disease
A disorder caused by abnormalities in the genome. This is usually a hereditary disease (damaged DNA passed down by the parents), but can also occur from mutations that happen during a lifetime. The abnormal DNA can lead malformation of proteins that put cell health in danger.
E.X. sickle cell anemia, cystic fibrosis, hemophilia
relevance to project: We used the known genetic disorders of each of the suspects to profile them and match genetic information to the DNA that was found at the site.
E.X. sickle cell anemia, cystic fibrosis, hemophilia
relevance to project: We used the known genetic disorders of each of the suspects to profile them and match genetic information to the DNA that was found at the site.
Mutation
when a DNA gene is damaged or changed in such a way as to alter the genetic message carried by that gene. There are many ways that genetic information can be altered.
- insertion- mutations in which extra base pairs are inserted into a new place in the DNA
- deletion- mutations in which a section of DNA is lost, or deleted.
- substitution- mutations that exchange one base for another.
- frameshift- include insertions and deletions. Since protein-coding DNA is divided into codons three bases long, insertions and deletions can alter a gene so that its message is no longer correctly parsed.
- point- include substitutions. They only change a small part of a gene
Karyotype
A karyotype is an appearance of chromosomes that are numbered and paired by size and used to show genetic diseases.
Most helpful in showing chromosomal disorders like: Triple X Syndrome, Down syndrome, Klinefelter syndrome, etc
Relevance to project: We looked at every suspects´ karyotype because knowing if any of them had chromosomal disorders could easily help us discover is they had certain behavioral issues or appearances.
Most helpful in showing chromosomal disorders like: Triple X Syndrome, Down syndrome, Klinefelter syndrome, etc
Relevance to project: We looked at every suspects´ karyotype because knowing if any of them had chromosomal disorders could easily help us discover is they had certain behavioral issues or appearances.
Pedigree
A pedigree chart displays a family tree, and shows the members of the family who are affected by a Genetic trait. They record ancestry of a person or family and shows diseases and how they were passed down. They use different shapes and lines to show relationships, offspring, gender, and generation.
Relevance to project: Pedigrees helped us by furthering our knowledge of the suspects through their family history or genetic information and disease.
Relevance to project: Pedigrees helped us by furthering our knowledge of the suspects through their family history or genetic information and disease.
punnett square
Fingerprinting
Ink Chromatography
separation of a mixture by passing it in solution or suspension through a medium in which the components move at different rates. Can be used to connect writing utensil, to writing, to writer.
Reflection
This project was very interesting because it did not consist of just one experiment, but many relating ones. I also liked how it gave us a useful application of biological concepts-solving a crime, and I enjoyed how our hard work led up to one final outcome that meant something more than just confirmation of a hypothesis. That being said, not all of this project was smooth sailing. I think some issues in our group arose because we had some issues in trying to adjust to the odd, spaced out schedule that we did all o the pieces of this project in. This timing issue also lead to some gaps when it came to accumulating all of out data at the end of our project to form and defend our accusation. On the bright side, we were able to work together and fill in any missing pieces we had in our evidence. Overall, I think out team did very well in orchestrating all the parts that went into this project, and created a solid argument that was strongly supported by evidence. I also think our presentation explained our work well so that people who are familiar with the material could understand what we did. In the future, I want to become more organized, with my work so i have all of the important pieces of ay project together and accessible. I believe this will make my life much easier later on when it comes to making sense of all of the work we did. I also want to become a stronger leader who is not afraid to ask other people to help and participate. During this project I learned so much about the practical applications of biology. It also sparked interest in a field I have never considered before, forensic science.