Any contact between human beings leaves behind DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid.) “When we shake hands we exchange sweat and this as well as saliva, hair and anything containing nucleated cells hold DNA,” explained Dr Valery Alexandrov, a forensic pathologist for the past 40 years who is currently based at the Forensic Science Centre in St James. Dr Alexandrov, who has studied and worked with DNA exclusively, spends most of his working hours uncovering evidence to help police solve murders—the type found on a victim’s body and left, usually unknowingly, by attackers. DNA is found in any nucleus containing cell in the body—every cell except for red blood cells and the skin keratin. The millions of DNA in the human body are contained in sweat, saliva and even hair. Every human being gets 50 per cent of their DNA from their mother and 50 per cent from their father. “This is the basis for paternity testing,” said Alexandrov.
In clinical applications, DNA can indicate genetic abnormalities, mutations and radiation that causes genetic mutations.“If you have even a single cell, you can extract DNA,” he said, adding that the science DNA is an analysis of match. Alexandrov said before DNA evidence was introduced to courts, police relied on blood groups to investigate crimes. “The problem was that most of the population have the same blood groups so the evidence was sometimes inconclusive,” he said. “DNA evidence is 99.99 per cent accurate and has made a remarkable difference in forensics.” However, Dr Alexandrov said, DNA can be difficult to understand. “People are usually misled, I think by the media, they think autopsy is a magic tool that solves crimes. “The autopsy, which includes DNA evidence, is important and essential but only when combined with a police investigation. An autopsy cannot solve crimes.” Alexandrov said people usually believe if DNA is found on a body at a crime scene, it is 100 per cent implied that the victim was assaulted.
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