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.