Question

Once the STR profile of DNA left at a crime scene is available, a forensic investigator can consult ______ surrounding specific STRs to identify people who may be relatives of a criminal who left DNA at the scene.

Answer 1

Forensic investigators consult databases surrounding specific STRs to identify potential relatives of a criminal based on the STR profile of DNA left at a crime scene.

Step-by-step explanation:

In forensic investigations, once the STR profile of DNA left at a crime scene is available, a forensic investigator can consult databases surrounding specific STRs to identify people who may be relatives of a criminal who left DNA at the scene.

By comparing the STR profiles of the crime scene sample against those in the databases, investigators can find individuals who share similar STR patterns, indicating a potential familial relationship with the criminal.

For example, if the STR profile of the crime scene DNA matches the STR profile of a known individual's DNA in the database, it suggests that the known individual may be a relative of the criminal.