American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) Practice Exam

DNA typing is a method used to identify individuals based on their unique genetic makeup. It involves analyzing specific regions of DNA that are known to vary significantly among individuals. The statement that DNA typing can be done on cells from almost any part of the body is correct because DNA is present in nearly all nucleated cells. This includes cells derived from blood (white blood cells), skin, saliva, hair follicles, bone, and even tissues. Each of these bodily sources can provide sufficient material for a DNA sample, making it a versatile and widely applicable technique in forensic investigations. In contrast, the other statements are too restrictive. DNA typing is not limited to fingerprints, as fingerprints are not a source of DNA themselves but rather a method for identifying individuals based on unique patterns. Additionally, while red blood cells do not contain DNA, other components of blood, such as white blood cells, do. Lastly, limiting DNA typing to hair samples is also inaccurate since a broader range of biological materials can be used for analysis. Thus, the ability to analyze DNA from a diverse array of sources is what makes this method so powerful in forensic science.