Sex Determination By Amplification Of Amelogenin Gene From...

Sex determination by amplification of Amelogenin gene from dental pulp tissue by PCR Abstract Introduction: Forensic odontology necessarily involves the application of dentistry along with various other branches of sciences to resolve criminal cases with legal issues. Sex determination is a part of forensic odontology and an en essential priority when traditional identification of the deceased becomes impossible due to certain mishaps, including natural calamities, acts of war and terrorism or criminal cases of homicide and mutilation of bodies. Aim: To determine Sex by analysis of the Amelogenin gene using PCR method on DNA isolated from dental pulp, which was exposed to various environmental conditions created artificially to mimic a forensic scenario. Materials and Method: This in-vitro study was conducted by subjecting extracted teeth to various conditions imitating a forensic scene, viz. desiccation at room temperatures, immersion in salt water, burial in soil and even exposing to temperatures of 150 Â ºC, 250 Â ºC, 350 Â ºC. DNA was extracted from dental pulp tissue and sex determination was achieved by amplification of the amelogenin gene through AMEL gene based primers in PCR. Result: Among all the samples used in this study, DNA could be extracted from all, except from those that were subjected to a temperature of 350 Â ºC. DNA amplification and sex determination of the samples were found to be accurate when compared to known data. Conclusion: This study shows teeth to be