DNA - Deoxyribonucleic acid. The molecules inside cells that carry genetic information and pass it from one generation to the next. Often referred to as the blueprint of life, DNA is the genetic material present in the nucleus of cells which is inherited half from each biological parent. DNA is a chemical substance contained in cells, which determines each person's individual characteristics. An individual's DNA is unique except in cases of identical twins.
DNA analysis - The process of testing to identify DNA patterns or types. In the forensic setting, this testing is used to exclude or include individuals as possible sources of body fluid stains (blood, saliva, semen) and other biological evidence (bones, teeth, hair). This testing can also be used to indicate parentage.
DNA fingerprinting - Analyses of the lengths of the fragments reveal that when looking at multiple VNTRs (variable number of tandem repeats) within and between individuals, no two people have the same assortment of lengths. This technique became known to the public as DNA fingerprinting because of its powerful ability to discriminate between unrelated individuals.
DNA mixtures - A sample that contains the DNA of more than one individual.
DNA profile - The result of determining the relative positions of DNA sequences at several locations on the molecule. Each person (except identical twins) has a unique DNA profile when used in the context of the CODIS database, which evaluates 13 specific DNA locations.
Exogenous DNA - DNA originating outside an organism that has been introduced into the organism.
Junk DNA - Stretches of DNA that do not code for genes; most of the genome consists of junk DNA.
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) - The DNA found in the many mitochondria found in each cell of a body. The sequencing of mitochondrial DNA can link individuals descended from a common female ancestor.
Nuclear DNA - The DNA found in the nucleus of a cell.