In this project we were given a series of events leading up to the death of Captain Cornball. Our job was to investigate the suspects and analyze given DNA and evidence from the scene to investigate what really happened at the scene and who really killed Captain Cornball. Our group learned new ways to study DNA and evidence and came up with a reasonable explanation of what happened. After weeks of investigating and researching, we presented our findings to "judge" who granted us first degree murder warrants for both Sam Stubs and Norma Nanny.
Evidence found at the scene: ~a fingerprint ~shattered glass ~knife ~blood sample from knife ~hair sample found on the murder weapon ~threatening note ~possible pens used for the note
DNA PCR Test- We used PCR to amplify certain regions of DNA using a process called gel electrophoresis. These regions were labeled with dye to make them visible. The regions in the DNA vary between people so we compared the results with with patterns gathered from the crime scene. The results matched with Captain Cornball, Sam Stubs and Norma Nanny.
DNA Fingerprinting- The fingerprint found at the scene was lifted using florescent powder and lifter film. Compared with prints from suspects, we concluded that the fingerprint found on a piece of broken glass matched with Sam Stubs.
Blood Type Analysis- Blood samples from each suspect were given to the police for investigation. We found blood type O and blood type A at the crime scene. Captain Cornball being the victim was suspected to match one of the results, and we were correct. He matched with blood type O. Since NN was only one to have an open wound we also suspected her to come in the experiment, again we were correct as she matched the other blood type being A.
Chromatography- The objective was to match the pen that was used to write the note. We tested 3 different markers in order to see which ink matched the one from the crime scene. The pen used to write the note belonged to Sam stubs and Norma Nanny.
Further explanation can be found in the presentation below:
Human Genetics/Inheritance- I learned about the relationship between dominant and recessive alleles resulting in specific characteristics and how to hypothesize the traits of offspring using punnet squares.
Genetic Diseases- I learned more about the results of genetic diseases and how they are passed on through generations possibly causing chromosomal diseases.in the future.
Chromosomal Abnormalities- I learned what chromosomal abnormalities look like and what they can potentially cause.
DNA Fingerprinting/Sequences/Forensics- I learned how fingerprints can be seen by different processes like electrophorisis. In Forensic Science my group especially learned that you'll not always get clear results.
I give this project two thumbs up because it was very interesting going through all the needed tests to gather information. I think this project was successful because there was more excitement with trying to find a pretend killer, This project also gave us a great insight of what forensic scientists do.