Do bones contain DNA?

Question

Like when they find a body, can they compare the DNA of the bones with DNA from hair from a hairbrush? Also, would Mitochondrial DNA be a better means for comparison?

I watch too much Forensic Files, lol.

Answer 1

yes

Answer 2

Yes, well I guess, maybe, not sure. Sorry I don't really know. LOL

Answer 3

Every cell in the body contains DNA. So yes, bones contain DNA.

Theoretically, absolutely - DNA recovered from bone could be compared to DNA recovered from hair. Or blood. Or skin cells.

The problem lies in the DNA extraction method. Hair, blood and skin cells are highly porous. It is relative easy to isolate DNA from these cells types. Bones are calcified. It is difficult to extract usable DNA from bone cells, unless there is bone marrow present (which, unless the bone is discovered very shortly after death, I don't think there usually is since bone marrow is a soft tissue and would degrade just like skin and organs).

If you are trying to work out a maternal lineage, mitochondrial DNA is the way to go. Your mitochondrial DNA (whether you're male or female) exactly matches that of your mother. You can see where this might be a problem forensically. Say a mother and daughter are suspected of the same crime. DNA was recovered at the scene. If you test for mitochondrial DNA, both would be a match.

And what's wrong with Forensic Files??!!?? lol

Great question!!

Answer 4

Yes.. and it tells lots about history....

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/4260...