Forensic Science- Hair Follicles

Hair Shaft

Part of the hair above that follicle; contains mitochondrial DNA.

Cortex

The region of a hair located outside the medulla that contains granules of pigment.

Comparison Microscope

A compound microscope that allows the side - by- side comparison of samples, such as hair or fibers.

Gas Chromatography

A method of separating chemicals to establish their quantities.

Keratin

A type of fibrous protein that makes up the the majority of the cortex of a hair.

Melanin Granules

Bits of pigment found in the cortex of the hair.

Mitochondrial DNA (M+DNA)

Genetic material in the mitochondria of the cytoplasm of a cell; only inherited from the mother.

Nuclear DNA

Genetic material in the nucleus of a cell.

Hair Follicle

The actively growing base of a hair that contains DNA and living cells.

Medulla

The central core of a hair.

Cuticle

The tough outer covering of a hair that is composed of overlapping scales.