NCJ Number
222505
Journal
Problems of Forensic Sciences Volume: 53 Dated: 2003 Pages: 7-21
Date Published
2003
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This article presents a variety of methods available for forensic DNA typing of narcotic plants, primarily Cannabis.
Abstract
The article cites the possible applications of toxiogenetic and pharmacogenetic analysis to forensic toxicology. It indicates that DNA research has had an immediate impact on numerous life science disciplines. Among many applications of molecular genetics to forensic toxicology, the determination of species and geographic origin of illegal plants was highlighted as one of the most promising. This article presents a variety of methods available for forensic DNA typing of narcotic plants, mainly Cannabis sativa L. The data supports the idea of application of molecular biology techniques to toxicology for these reasons: genetic material is a very reliable marker, enabling unambiguous determination of species and individual identification; use of a small amount of plant material is not an obstacle to positive identification; analysis may be performed on fresh material and also dried or heavily crushed specimens; DNA analysis enables not only determination of the species, but can also define type, variety, and form of plants that are traded illegally; and identification of DNA damage caused by rapid elimination of a xenobiotic from an organism that is specifically caused by the particular toxin can confirm its previous presence. Recent findings concerning the action of xenobotics on a molecular and genetic level are discussed, and proffer the supposition that forensic toxicology will make use of these methodologies in the near future. References