NCJ Number
225895
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 54 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2009 Pages: 108-113
Date Published
January 2009
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This study developed techniques of DNA analysis that can be used to differentiate the following ropes based on their plant origins: hemp (Cannabis sativa L.); sisal (Agave sisalana Perrine); abaca, “Manila hemp” (Musa textilis Nee); flax (Linum usitatissimum L.); and jute (Corchorus olitorus L.).
Abstract
The study found that the DNA extracted from the rope sample was species specific and was matched to DNA from plants identified by experts. In most cases, the results of the restriction analysis from rope samples matched the results predicted from the sequences of well-identified plant species. For some rope samples, the results were not as expected, but discrepancies were shown to result from misidentification of the rope by the manufacturer or by the inclusion of fibers from more than one plant species. DNA analysis in order to determine natural-fiber rope components has several advantages over other means of distinguishing ropes. First, DNA analysis may require less experience than microscopy. Second, the current microscopic examination method may not be able to characterize with clarity all natural fibers. Third, DNA analysis may have other applications, such as determining the source, local or imported, of rope found at an archaeological excavation. Fourth, with advancements in technology, DNA analysis could eventually provide a background for identifying individual rope samples in addition to the rope’s botanical origin. The analytical procedures included extracting the DNA from the rope, performing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using the extracted DNA as a template, and analyzing the DNA products. A primers pair for PCR, chosen from within a chloroplast gene for the large subunit of ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase, was designed to be specific for plant DNA and complementary to the genes from all five plants. 3 figures, 2 tables, and 14 references