Question 1

Each nucleated cell contains the full complement of an individuals DNA, called the genome that is unvarying from cell to cell.

Accepted Answer

The genome is the complete set of DNA in an organism, and it is the same in every nucleated cell of that organism.

Question 2

The process of deciphering codes and ciphers used by criminals to protect the security of their messages is known as: _____.

Accepted Answer

Cryptography is the practice and study of techniques for securing communication and information, often used to protect messages from being deciphered by unauthorized parties.

Question 3

Chromatography is a method used in the identification of crystalline solids.

Accepted Answer

Chromatography is a technique used for separating and analyzing mixtures of liquids or gases, not specifically for identifying crystalline solids.

Question 4

Most states are now building DNA databases by collecting and testing DNA samples from individuals convicted of sexual assaults and often homicide. The FBI is supporting these databases by linking them together into a national database known as:

Accepted Answer

CODIS (Combined DNA Index System) is the national database supported by the FBI that links together DNA databases from various states.

Question 5

A technique of personal identification that in the future may challenge fingerprints as the most positive means of physical identification is: _____.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A technique of personal identification that in...

Question 6

Identification in criminalistics is aligned with the logic of _____.

Accepted Answer

Identification in criminalistics is aligned with the logic of set theory, as it involves categorizing and matching evidence to identify individuals or objects.

Question 7

The crime lab cannot determine with any degree of certainty if a weapon was used in other crimes.

Accepted Answer

Crime labs can often determine if a weapon was used in other crimes by analyzing ballistic evidence, such as matching bullet striations or cartridge casings to a specific firearm.

Question 8

Ultrasonic cavitation involves the graphic identification of human voices.

Accepted Answer

Ultrasonic cavitation is a process that uses ultrasound waves to create bubbles in a liquid, often used in medical and cosmetic procedures, not related to identifying human voices.

Question 9

A spectrograph is used in the identification of firearms.

Accepted Answer

A spectrograph is an instrument used to measure properties of light over a specific portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, not for identifying firearms.

Question 10

The distinctive signature of handguns and other metallic weapons is developed through the use of the neutron activation analysis technique.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The distinctive signature of handguns and other...

Question 11

The person-to-person differences within a particular segment of DNA sequence are known as: _____.

Accepted Answer

Alleles are different versions of a gene found at the same locus on homologous chromosomes, leading to variations in the DNA sequence among individuals.

Question 12

Argon-ion lasers are widely used in the detection of latent fingerprints.

Accepted Answer

Argon-ion lasers emit blue-green light, which is effective in causing certain fingerprint residues to fluoresce, making them visible for detection.

Question 13

The laboratory process which a criminalist might use to restore obliterated serial numbers on firearms and other metal objects is called what?

Accepted Answer

Ultrasonic cavitation is a process used to restore obliterated serial numbers on metal objects by using high-frequency sound waves to remove material and reveal the numbers.

Question 14

The informational output of a crime laboratory depends upon what?

Accepted Answer

Physical evidence collected at the crime scene is the basis for the informational output of a crime laboratory.

Question 15

Degraded, contaminated, and small quantities of DNA can be successfully analyzed in the crime laboratory due to which laboratory process?

Accepted Answer

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a technique used to amplify small quantities of DNA, making it possible to analyze degraded or contaminated samples.

Question 16

To make the determination of whether or not a person has recently fired a handgun the criminalist would subject hand swabs from the subject to which laboratory examination?

Accepted Answer

Neutron activation analysis is used to detect trace elements, such as barium and antimony, which are residues left on the hands after firing a handgun.

Question 17

Neutron activation analysis is a technique used to analyzed gunshot residue.

Accepted Answer

Neutron activation analysis is a technique used to analyze gunshot residue because it can detect the presence of elements such as lead, barium, and antimony, which are commonly found in gunshot residue.

Question 18

In making the determination that bullets, shells, or cartridge cases were fired from a specific weapon, the criminalist would use which piece of laboratory equipment?

Accepted Answer

A comparison microscope is used to compare the markings on bullets, shells, or cartridge cases to determine if they were fired from the same weapon.

Question 19

The cipher in which one symbol or letter stands for another symbol or letter is known as a transposition cipher.

Accepted Answer

A cipher where one symbol or letter stands for another is known as a substitution cipher, not a transposition cipher. Transposition ciphers rearrange the positions of the symbols or letters.

Question 20

The FBI has selected 13 loci to serve as a standard battery of core loci for DNA analysis.

Accepted Answer

The FBI has indeed selected 13 specific loci, known as the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) core loci, for standard DNA profiling in forensic analysis.

Quiz 5: Laboratory and Technical Services