Question

Following a severe accident, many charred, disfigured bodies are recovered from the site, making the identification of the dead very difficult. Name and explain the technique that would help the authorities establish the identity of the dead to be able to hand over the dead to their respective relatives.

Following the collision of two trains, a large number of passengers were killed. A majority of them are beyond recognition. Authorities want to hand over the dead to their relatives. Name a modern scientific method and write the procedure that would help in the identification of kinship.

Answer 1

The technique used to identify individuals in such cases is DNA Profiling (also known as DNA Fingerprinting). It is a highly accurate, modern scientific method used to establish identity and kinship by analysing an individual’s unique genetic makeup.

Procedure for Identification:

1. Sample Collection: Authorities collect biological samples from the remains, such as teeth, bone fragments, or deep tissue, which are more likely to yield intact DNA even if the body is charred. Simultaneously, “reference samples” (like hair or blood) are collected from close relatives or from the personal belongings of the missing person.
2. DNA Extraction: The DNA is chemically extracted from the collected cells in a laboratory.
3. Amplification: Using a technique called PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), specific regions of the DNA that vary significantly between individuals (called STRs) are copied millions of times to create a workable sample.
4. Electrophoresis: The DNA fragments are separated by size using gel electrophoresis to create a unique visual pattern or digital profile.
5. Comparison and Matching: The DNA profile of the deceased is compared against the profiles of the claiming relatives. Since children inherit half of their DNA from each parent, scientists look for genetic markers that match to confirm kinship.
6. Identification: Once a significant match is found, the identity is legally established, allowing the authorities to hand over the remains to the rightful family.