Forensic DNA Typing: Biology &
Technology Behind STR Markers
Author: John M. Butler
This review written by
Bryan Nelson
Before reading this text, my knowledge of DNA typing methods and technology
consisted of the testimony presented during the O.J. Simpson trial. Frankly, I
was quite intimidated about the thought of trying to review a book on DNA
technology. Let's just say that biology, chromosomes, genes and all the other
aspects of DNA were not one of my strong points in school. Fortunately, the
first two chapters provided an easily understandable overview of DNA typing
history and biology for the novice reader, or as a review for those more
familiar with the topic. The layout of the text is well developed as each
chapter builds upon the previous, while the writing style enables the content to
be informational to any level reader. The tables and figures throughout the book
are an outstanding compliment to the text, and very much helped me understand
the biology and technology involved with DNA analysis.
In my opinion, Forensic DNA Typing: Biology & Technology Behind STR Markers has
something for everyone. For novices like me, this is a great book because there
is something new to learn from each chapter. Although I admit that this is not
my strongest subject, by the end of the book I could understand the presentation
of DNA testing used in high profile cases. The first ten chapters of the book
were very useful in learning about DNA typing from a biology and technology
standpoint. Personally, chapters 11-16 and the appendix sections were not
helpful for me because these chapters/sections detail specific instruments,
typing issues, standards, and professional contact information. This information
seems more suitable for professionals or students who are currently working with
the technology, or are studying to do so in the future. That being said, I would
still highly recommend this book to professors as a textbook or even to a
student needing supplemental reading for a course. Experienced professionals may
appreciate this book for referencing questions involving technology, as might
lawyers, investigators, or anyone else who needs to understand DNA evidence in
the course of their job.
The final chapter of this book is about DNA testing on high profile cases, which
allows readers to use the knowledge they have gained by reading the book. Among
the high profile cases presented are: the O.J. Simpson investigation, the
Clinton-Lewinsky affair, identification of the Unknown Soldier, the Branch
Davidian Fire, Swissair Flight 111, and the Thomas Jefferson-Sally Hemings
affair. For me, this final chapter was a highlight because, not only did I get
to review the DNA evidence of these cases, I was also able to make use of the
knowledge that I gained by reading the book. In reading the O.J. Simpson case
presentation, I found it interesting that the author emphasizes what was learned
in the DNA field from this case. I believe this book effectively informs the
reader to avoid making similar mistakes, which might allow a defense team to
make an argument about contamination.
My overall impression of Forensic DNA Typing: Biology & Technology Behind STR
Markers was positive. I learned a great deal from reading the book, and have
already begun using it as a reference to questions concerning DNA. Is it worth
the money to buy this book? I believe so. The reader is provided with one of, if
not the most updated reference on DNA typing, the format and writing are
presented in a way that is easily understandable, and by the end of the text not
only does the reader have a wonderful reference, but will have learned something
new.
I am listing the chapter titles so that the reader may get a preview of the
information contained this book.
Chapter 1 OVERVIEW AND HISTORY OF DNA TYPING
Chapter 2 DNA BIOLOGY REVIEW
Chapter 3 SAMPLE COLLECTION AND PREPARATION (DNA EXTRACTION AND QUANTIFICATION)
Chapter 4 THE POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION (DNA AMPLIFICATION)
Chapter 5 COMMONLY USED SHORT TANDEM REPEAT MARKERS
Chapter 6 BIOLOGY OF STR's: STUTTER PRODUCTS, NON-TEMPLATE ADDITION,
MICROVARIANTS,
NULL ALLELES, AND MUTATION RATES
Chapter 7 FORENSIC ISSUES: DEGRADED DNA, PCR INHIBITION, CONTAMINATION, AND
MIXED SAMPLES
Chapter 8 ADDITIONAL DNA MARKERS: AMELOGENIN, Y-CHROMOSOME STR's, mtDNA, SNP's,
Alu REPEATS
Chapter 9 DNA SEPARATION METHODS: SLAB-GEL AND CAPILLARY ELECTROPHORESIS
Chapter 10 DNA DETECTION METHODS: FLUORESCENT DYES AND SILVER STAINING
Chapter 11 THE ABI PRISM 310 GENETIC ANALYZER
Chapter 12 THE HITACHI FMBIO II FLUORESCENCE IMAGING SYSTEM
Chapter 13 STR GENOTYPING ISSUES
Chapter 14 LABORATORY VALIDATION
Chapter 15 NEW TECHNOLOGIES AND AUTOMATION
Chapter 16 COMBINED DNA INDEX SYSTEM (CODIS) AND THE USE OF DNA DATABASES
Chapter 17 DNA TESTING IN HIGH-PROFILE CASES
Appendix I REPORTED STR ALLELES: SIZES AND SEQUENCES
Appendix II CEPH FAMILY STUDY
Appendix III DNA ADVISORY BOARD QUALITY ASSURANCE STANDARDS
Appendix IV SUPPLIERS OF DNA ANALYSIS EQUIPMENT, PRODUCTS, OR SERVICES
E-mail your questions or suggestions to
Bryan Nelson
