Hair Evidence Quiz

Hairs and fibres are a type of DNA evidence.

• True

• False

The cortex of a hair is an important component for investigations because it can determine what individual the hair has come from.

• True

• False

Hair is composed of a protein called keratin.

• True

• False

What instrument is used by forensic scientists to analyse hair samples?

• A microscope

• A telescope

• A stethoscope

• A barometer

To perform nuclear DNA typing, what part of the hair has to be present?

• The root must be present.

• The shaft must be present.

• The tip must be present.

• The follicle must be present.

The cuticle is composed of:

• Keratin

• Collagen

• Elastin

• Melanin

The cuticle scales can only give species characteristics, NOT human characteristics.

• True

• False

The most efficient way of observing hair cuticles is using a very powerful instrument called an electron scanning microscope. Alternatively, using clear nail polish and an ordinary light microscope can be used.

• Electron scanning microscope

• Clear nail polish and an ordinary light microscope

• Both methods

• Neither method

What differences do you notice between the cuticle pattern for dogs and that for human hair?

• A dog's hair has a thicker medulla than human hair.

• Human hair has a different texture on the cuticle.

• Both A and B

• None of the above

Most hair pigment granules are located in this region. These give hair its characteristic colour.

• Cortex

• Medulla

• Cuticle

• Follicle