Which type of scientific identification involves DNA analysis?

• A. Nuclear DNA
• B. Fingerprints
• C. Comparative medical/dental radiography
• D. Surgical implants

Answer: (A)

DNA-based identification is about using genetic material to tell individuals apart. Nuclear DNA is the primary source for this in forensic contexts because it sits in the cell nucleus and contains many highly variable regions (STRs) across numerous loci. This combination yields a highly specific profile that can be matched to a reference sample to confirm identity or exclude someone. The other options aren’t DNA-based methods: fingerprints are biometric patterns, radiography uses imaging, and implants are identified by their physical and manufacturing traces. While mitochondrial DNA is also DNA and can be used when nuclear DNA isn’t available, it offers less discrimination than nuclear DNA. So, when identifying individuals through DNA analysis, nuclear DNA is the best fit.