NEW TECHNIQUE FOR EXAMINING DNA
Scientists of CCMB,
Hyderabad, have discovered a new technique for examining DNA.
This technique is able to establish exact identity of confiscated
animals or their parts. This DNA-based approach, without any prior
information about the history of a forensic sample, is able to
establish whether a drop of blood, tiny piece of meat or bunch
of hairs belong to human or animal, and if animal, to which species
of the animal.
The technique developed
at CCMB amplifies and sequences a specific fragment of mitochondrial
cytochrome b gene from vast range of animal species. The comparison
of the signatures of known animal species available in the database
of signatures, with that obtained from a confiscated sample reveals
the identity of the unknown sample beyond a reasonable doubt.
This information
was given by Shri Bachi Singh Rawat, Minister of State for Science
& Technology in written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha
today.
