UF PHA 6936 DNA & Serology Final Exam Questions
& Answers 2026 | Latest Study Guide
1. In a forensic investigation, if a suspect is found with cold extremities, what
physiological response might be indicated, and how could this relate to
blood flow?
Vasoconstriction
Increased heart rate
Vasodilation
Blood clotting
2. What is not a part of an ABI Genetic Analyzer?
Capillary
CCD camera
Chiller
Syringe with polymer
3. Describe the importance of maintaining a chain of custody in forensic DNA
analysis.
Maintaining a chain of custody ensures that the evidence is
preserved and its integrity is upheld throughout the investigation.
Maintaining a chain of custody only applies to blood evidence.
Maintaining a chain of custody is irrelevant to the legal process.
Maintaining a chain of custody is only necessary for physical evidence,
not DNA.
,4. In purine biosynthesis when glycine adds to 5-phosphoribosyl-B-amine, the
bond formed is a(n):
thioester.
ester.
anhydride.
amine.
phosphodiester.
5. Which of the following statements is NOT sound advice to share with your
team as they collect samples for further study?
Provide patients thorough instructions to follow prior and during
sample collection.
Provide sterile sample collection containers.
Store samples in disinfectant after collection to avoid
contamination.
Avoid contact between samples and inanimate objects outside of
sample containers.
6. Describe the primary difference in sensitivity between RFLP and PCR
methods in forensic DNA analysis.
PCR methods are generally more sensitive than RFLP methods,
allowing for the amplification of small amounts of DNA.
RFLP methods are used exclusively for blood analysis, while PCR is
used for all DNA types.
RFLP methods are more sensitive than PCR methods due to their
ability to analyze larger DNA fragments.
, Both RFLP and PCR methods have the same level of sensitivity in DNA
analysis.
7. In a forensic investigation, if a sample is contaminated and requires organic
extraction, which buffer would you recommend for optimal DNA recovery?
TE buffer
Phenol-chloroform
Borate buffer
Sodium phosphate
8. In a forensic investigation where only trace amounts of DNA are available,
which method would be more appropriate to use and why?
PCR methods would be more appropriate due to their higher
sensitivity in amplifying small DNA samples.
RFLP methods would be more appropriate as they can analyze larger
DNA fragments.
Neither method would be suitable for trace amounts of DNA.
Both methods are equally effective regardless of the amount of DNA
present.
9. If a forensic sample contains high levels of metal ions, what might be the
consequence for the PCR process, and how could EDTA mitigate this issue?
High levels of metal ions would enhance PCR efficiency, and EDTA
would have no effect.
High levels of metal ions would increase the yield of PCR products,
and EDTA would reduce the yield.
High levels of metal ions would cause DNA degradation, and EDTA
would stabilize the DNA template.
, High levels of metal ions could inhibit PCR, and EDTA would chelate
these ions to improve the reaction.
10. Describe what it means for a crime scene sample to be considered a match
in forensic DNA analysis.
A crime scene sample is a match if it contains the same amount of
blood as the known standard.
A crime scene sample is a match if it has the same color as the known
standard.
A crime scene sample is considered a match if it is identical to a
known standard at a specified number of loci, indicating a potential
connection to an individual.
A crime scene sample is a match if it is collected from the same
location as the known standard.
11. Which of the following statements is TRUE:
Sample preparation procedures may include extractions and
amplifications
Once the analysis starts, you only need to document the final result,
not each part of the analysis
A sample does not need an intact seal on it
You only need to keep sample analysis documents for samples that
your boss says is important
12. The barrel of a gun used in a homicide that has blood spatter, tissue, and
bone fragments visible in and on the barrel. This would most likely be the
result of:
Gunshot from 12 inches or more
& Answers 2026 | Latest Study Guide
1. In a forensic investigation, if a suspect is found with cold extremities, what
physiological response might be indicated, and how could this relate to
blood flow?
Vasoconstriction
Increased heart rate
Vasodilation
Blood clotting
2. What is not a part of an ABI Genetic Analyzer?
Capillary
CCD camera
Chiller
Syringe with polymer
3. Describe the importance of maintaining a chain of custody in forensic DNA
analysis.
Maintaining a chain of custody ensures that the evidence is
preserved and its integrity is upheld throughout the investigation.
Maintaining a chain of custody only applies to blood evidence.
Maintaining a chain of custody is irrelevant to the legal process.
Maintaining a chain of custody is only necessary for physical evidence,
not DNA.
,4. In purine biosynthesis when glycine adds to 5-phosphoribosyl-B-amine, the
bond formed is a(n):
thioester.
ester.
anhydride.
amine.
phosphodiester.
5. Which of the following statements is NOT sound advice to share with your
team as they collect samples for further study?
Provide patients thorough instructions to follow prior and during
sample collection.
Provide sterile sample collection containers.
Store samples in disinfectant after collection to avoid
contamination.
Avoid contact between samples and inanimate objects outside of
sample containers.
6. Describe the primary difference in sensitivity between RFLP and PCR
methods in forensic DNA analysis.
PCR methods are generally more sensitive than RFLP methods,
allowing for the amplification of small amounts of DNA.
RFLP methods are used exclusively for blood analysis, while PCR is
used for all DNA types.
RFLP methods are more sensitive than PCR methods due to their
ability to analyze larger DNA fragments.
, Both RFLP and PCR methods have the same level of sensitivity in DNA
analysis.
7. In a forensic investigation, if a sample is contaminated and requires organic
extraction, which buffer would you recommend for optimal DNA recovery?
TE buffer
Phenol-chloroform
Borate buffer
Sodium phosphate
8. In a forensic investigation where only trace amounts of DNA are available,
which method would be more appropriate to use and why?
PCR methods would be more appropriate due to their higher
sensitivity in amplifying small DNA samples.
RFLP methods would be more appropriate as they can analyze larger
DNA fragments.
Neither method would be suitable for trace amounts of DNA.
Both methods are equally effective regardless of the amount of DNA
present.
9. If a forensic sample contains high levels of metal ions, what might be the
consequence for the PCR process, and how could EDTA mitigate this issue?
High levels of metal ions would enhance PCR efficiency, and EDTA
would have no effect.
High levels of metal ions would increase the yield of PCR products,
and EDTA would reduce the yield.
High levels of metal ions would cause DNA degradation, and EDTA
would stabilize the DNA template.
, High levels of metal ions could inhibit PCR, and EDTA would chelate
these ions to improve the reaction.
10. Describe what it means for a crime scene sample to be considered a match
in forensic DNA analysis.
A crime scene sample is a match if it contains the same amount of
blood as the known standard.
A crime scene sample is a match if it has the same color as the known
standard.
A crime scene sample is considered a match if it is identical to a
known standard at a specified number of loci, indicating a potential
connection to an individual.
A crime scene sample is a match if it is collected from the same
location as the known standard.
11. Which of the following statements is TRUE:
Sample preparation procedures may include extractions and
amplifications
Once the analysis starts, you only need to document the final result,
not each part of the analysis
A sample does not need an intact seal on it
You only need to keep sample analysis documents for samples that
your boss says is important
12. The barrel of a gun used in a homicide that has blood spatter, tissue, and
bone fragments visible in and on the barrel. This would most likely be the
result of:
Gunshot from 12 inches or more
