Scanner: Common term for the computer driven video devices used to electronically estimate the sizes of DNA restriction fragments detected in a forensic RFLP test.
Serology: In forensic science the study of body fluids and body fluid stains. Forensic DNA analysis is generally performed by specially trained forensic serologists.
Service by Publication: Notice in a newspaper telling someone that a claim has been filed against him/her.
Service of Process: The delivery of a writ or summons to the party to whom it is directed for the purpose of obtaining jurisdiction over that party.
Single Locus Probe: A DNA probe that detects a single DNA region creating one (“homozygote”) to two (heterozygote) bands on an autoradiograph.
Southern Blotting: The technique of transferring DNA fragments in a gel to a solid support such as a sheet of nylon. The resulting sheet of nylon with the DNA permanently affixed to it is referred to as the blot.
STR: Short tandem repeat see AFLP.
Support Order: A legally binding edict from a court of law that dictates conditions of support that a noncustodial parent must pay.
Taq DNA Polymerase: The heat stable DNA polymerase used in the PCR reaction.
Testimony: Statements made by a witness under oath.
Thymine: An organic base, one of the four monomers or building blocks from which DNA is made.variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR). The class of genetic loci most commonly used in forensic DNA analysis. They are composed of 9 to 75 base pair sequences that are repeated different numbers of times in different people. Hence, the physical length of the DNA molecule at these loci will vary from person to person.
