Digital Genetic Data

    Genetic data is simply a means of coding DNA material. In biological terms, DNA is “an inheritance cluster of genes that are arranged in a specific system."

    DNA is packed in the nucleus of a cell in humans and many animals, and in some organisms, the nucleus is in the form of a genome without a nuclear membrane. Genes are polynucleic acids split into purin and pyrimidin nitrogenous bases.

    NUCLEOTIDE = NITROGENOUSEBASE + PENTOSE SUGAR + PHOSPHATE GROUP

    NUCLEOSIDE = NITROGENOUS BASE + PENTOSE SUGAR

    This is always synchronized as purin is linked with pyrimidin with a hydrogen bond, nitrogenous bases are connected to the 3' carbon of pentose sugar, and phosphate is in the 5' carbon position. This makes a structure called the double helix structure, discovered by scientists William and Rick.

DATABASE FORMATION

        This is all the introduction to DNA structure now about function—how it works and is applicable to digital life. DNA function is the manufacturing of particular amino acids or proteins that lead to various phenotypes and the production of particular enzymes required for physiochemical processes like genes responsible for the color of eyes, hair, height of individuals, skin complex, fingerprint generation on the tips of fingers and palms, toes, psychological nature of states, etc.

DNA double helix structure with its measurement

Composition of  DNA structure ( pentose sugar , nitrogenous base and phosphate bond )

        Each and every gene is responsible for phenotypic expression (outer appearance, that is, how one looks). All this data is being recorded digitally, and the formation of the database takes place. This database, filled with intricate information about genetic codes and their corresponding physical traits, serves as a valuable resource for scientists and researchers alike. By analyzing the connections between genes and phenotypic expressions, they can uncover fascinating insights into the complexities of human biology. This digital repository not only facilitates the understanding of genetic inheritance but also opens up new possibilities for advancements in personalized medicine and genetic engineering. As technology continues to evolve, our ability to decipher the genetic code and its impact on appearance grows, paving the way for a future where we can better understand and appreciate the uniqueness of each individual.

Digital data and forensic significance

        DNA fingerprinting is a term used to compare the DNA sequences of two individuals. In this procedure of differentiating various repetitive DNA strands, it works as a standard sample for dotting similarity in the questioned one. Polymorphism means variation in strand generated due to mutation; this mutation is created and is inheritable from parents to offspring, thus being used in disputed paternity test cases. High degrees of polymorphism and change are useful for analysis and investigating cases. Every tissue of the body consists of the same polymorphism DNA genomic bulk. As mentioned above, every tissue, like follicle, skin, bone, saliva, sperm, blood, and teeth, contains DNA, which aids crime scene investigation and serves as crucial biological evidence for comparison in the field of forensics.

        DNA fingerprinting is a technique that was earlier performed on a gel plate called VNTR (variable number of tandem repeats). It works on the principle of the polymerase chain reaction. For detection of a labeled probe during hybridization of DNA, autoradiography is used; thus, in the latest technology, it is detected and appears on the monitor, and specific detectors are used to make it easier. All of this is done by keeping in mind the sequence or base pairing of the codon (3 base pairs), which mainly do not code for any protein but just work for DNA formation.

Forensic applications and computerized data

        The goal of forensics (the biology sector) is to analyze and compare bodily fluids collected from crime scenes. This sample consists of DNA residue, including bones, teeth, skin, hair, etc. This sample is used to isolate inheritance structure, identify individual individuality, and relate the sample to the culprit or victim. It is not possible that every time evidence can be easily and in a recognizable state, data records and digital formats are used on the basis of probability, past records, criminal data, medical data, online records, and many more.

        Involve blood group, biometrics, medical reports, and cadaver details; this can be cross-examined for confirmatory details. Apart from this entire DNA, fingerprint data is also used now for evolutionary changes and to help in forensic examination. This is required to carry out DNA profiling and store it digitally for future use. It is very reliable because of its uniqueness, but it is also difficult due to the complexity of the work and experience.

Above given image contain different codon with protein name, DNA DATABASE

Case study :

        The first DNA-based human identification was successfully carried out in 1990 to identify victims of a fire on the Scandinavian Star Ferry. Disasters may be natural or man-made. One of the main concerns in disaster response is the need to identify victims for legal as well as humanitarian reasons. Later, with further advancements in DNA technology, DNA-based human identification became a standard practice.

        Airbus A320 air crash at Mont Saint-Odile (France), 1992; Argentine-Israeli Association explosion at Buenos Aires (Argentina), 1994; and many more. Systematic approaches used for identification of disaster victims, like source of material, DNA extraction, and DNA analysis techniques, include DNA profiling utilizing genetic markers, DNA database searching, kinship analysis, and statistical approaches.

        This requires a laboratory management system for large-scale sample logging and tracking, coupled with bioinformatics tools for DNA database searching according to different matching algorithms.

        The main challenges in identifying the victim of the recent South Asian tsunami, which has produced the steepest death count rise in history, will be considered to be the drawbacks of DNA-based identification.

References :

1. National Center for Biotechnology Information - 2002, Bruce Alberts, Alexander Johnson, Julian Lewis, Martin Raff, Keith Roberts, and Peter Walter; Regina bailey , 2020
2. Science direct DNA database John m. butler, 2012
3. National institutes of health Croat Med J. 2014 Apr
4. National human genome research institute
5. DNA fingerprinting