The Impact of Different Environments on DNA Degradation in Decomposing Mammalian Specimens

Authors

  • McKenzie Lamm Fairmont State University
  • Kristy Henson

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55632/pwvas.v97i2.1138

Keywords:

DNA, Decomposition, DNA degradation

Abstract

The purpose of this project was to quantify DNA at various stages of degradation during decomposition. Mammalian specimens were placed in five different sealed containers and monitored for temperature, humidity, and stage of decomposition. Multiple tissue swabs were taken weekly from each specimen, then DNA was extracted using a PrepFiler Forensic DNA Extraction Kit, then underwent PCR where DNA quantity was recorded via nanodrop before and after PCR. Samples were then diluted and sequenced using a SeqStudios Genetic Analyzer. Results show a change in the quality and quantity of DNA as the specimen decomposed, the genetic analyzer was able to produce profiles with the presence of DNA degradation, and the enclosure of the specimen did not impact the ability to sequence DNA samples.

References

Anderson, Rebecca Roberts. “DNA Degradation and Postmortem Interval: Preliminary Observation and Methods.” Tennessee Research and Creative Exchange, Aug. 2008, https://trace.tennessee.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=&httpsredir=1&article=3032&context=utk_gradthes. Accessed 21 Sep. 2024.

Bär, Walter, et al. “Postmortem stability of DNA.” Forensic Science International, Oct. 1988, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0379073888901181?via%3Dihub. Accessed 21 Sep. 2024.

Lorano-Peral, Diego, et. al. “DNA degradation in human teeth exposed to thermal stress.” Scientific Reports, 9 Jun. 2021, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-91505-8. Accessed 13 Sep. 2024.

Published

2025-04-08

How to Cite

Lamm, M., & Henson, K. . (2025). The Impact of Different Environments on DNA Degradation in Decomposing Mammalian Specimens. Proceedings of the West Virginia Academy of Science, 97(2). https://doi.org/10.55632/pwvas.v97i2.1138

Issue

Vol. 97 No. 2 (2025): 99th Annual Meeting Abstracts

Section

Meeting Abstracts-Oral

License

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

Proceedings of the West Virginia Academy of Science applies the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial (CC BY-NC) license to works we publish. By virtue of their appearance in this open access journal, articles are free to use, with proper attribution, in educational and other non-commercial settings.