Hair Evidence Review

Front

What pigment granule gives rise to dark hair?

Back

Eumelanin is the pigment granule responsible for dark hair.

Front

Can the species of hair evidence be determined without DNA?

Back

Yes, it is possible to determine whether hair evidence is from an animal or human without DNA.

Front

How can you differentiate between human and animal hair?

Back

Human hair typically has a different structure and characteristics compared to animal hair, such as the medullary index and cuticle patterns.

Front

Where is Nuclear DNA found in hair?

Back

Nuclear DNA is found in the hair follicle.

Front

What is the primary protein that makes up the hair shaft?

Back

Keratin is the important protein that composes the hair shaft.

Front

What is the role of melanocytes in hair?

Back

Melanocytes are cells that produce melanin, which gives hair its color.

Front

What is the difference between eumelanin and pheomelanin?

Back

Eumelanin is responsible for dark hair colors, while pheomelanin contributes to lighter hair colors, such as red and blonde.

Front

What is the structure of the hair shaft?

Back

The hair shaft consists of three layers: the cuticle, cortex, and medulla.

Front

What is the medullary index?

Back

The medullary index is the ratio of the diameter of the medulla to the diameter of the hair shaft, used to differentiate between human and animal hair.

Front

What is the significance of the hair follicle in forensic analysis?

Back

The hair follicle contains nuclear DNA, which can provide definitive identification of the individual from whom the hair originated.