Genetics

The topic of genetics is an interesting one for me because of two reasons. First, advances in genetics have made a ray of hope for African Americans who are caught up in the corruotion of the American justice system. Secondly, genetics can show me what my heritage is and where I come from.
Before genetics became more advanced than what it is today, it was difficult for certain crimes to be solved. In many cases the person who was arrested for a crime did not commit the crime, but they fit a stereotype that was used because of prejudice against certain individuals. With the advances of genetics, many people have been found innocent of the crimes that they were accused of committing. This is because of DNA testing. A person's DNA is their scientific identity. It can identify a corpse at a crime scene and it can show who committed the crime at the same crime scene. Several things contain a person's DNA, including blood, semen, and skin. More than likely a person will leave behind some of their DNA when they commit a crime. If a crime scene investigator picks up even the smallest amount of a criminal's DNA, then they can use it to confirm who the person is who committed the crime. It is interesting to see that the CSI shows are a reflection of what can really be done in America.
When it comes to genealogy, genetics is an improtant factor in discovering their family's past. With the complex history of America there are so many people that have a mixture of different ethnicities in their heritage. DNA tests can be used by a person to find out who they ar eand where their families come from. Several people have done these tests including Oprah and Henry Louis Gates, Jr. For a long time I have been interested in finding out where my family line comes from and I will definitely be doing the test in the near future!