Characterization of Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) Obtained from Teeth Subjected to Various Environmental Conditions

• NCJ Number: 131244
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 36 Issue: 4 Dated: (July 1991) Pages: 979-990
• Author(s): T R Schwartz; E A Schwartz; L Mieszerski; Kobilinsky McNally L
• Date Published: 1991
• Length: 12 pages
• Grant Number(s): G0008641165; USE 885-1684
• Sponsoring Agency: National Science Foundation; US Dept of Education, Special Education Programs
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Test/Measurement
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Presented at the 42nd Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, Cincinnati, OH, February 19-24, 1990.

Annotation

The effects of various environmental factors were examined in deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) obtained from dental pulp of teeth.

Abstract

Extracted teeth were obtained from oral surgeons and frozen prior to analysis. Aging was examined in donated extracted teeth held at room temperature for 16 and 19 years. The conditions studied included exposure to varying pH, temperature, humidity, soil types, sea water, and aging. Selected aging samples were examined through Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphic (RFLP) analysis, and the results were compared with patterns of bloodstains from the appropriate individual. Analysis consisted of isolation of DNA, yield gels to determine the relative amount of high molecular weight DNA obtained, and test gels to detect the presence of human and bacterial DNA. Restriction digestion with Pst 1 was K by electrophoresis of the generalized fragments, Southern transfer to nylon membranes, and hybridization to both human and bacterial probes. The results showed that the environmental conditions tested, except for soil, did not affect the ability to isolate high molecular weight DNA from dental pulp. RFLP analysis revealed matching dental pulp patterns in both aging and bloodstain samples, but an observed band shifting of dental pulp DNA relative to the amount in exemplar indicated an effect of increased exposure to higher temperatures. 5 figures, 5 tables, and 6 references (Author abstract modified)