ABSTRACT
DNA, THE ABBREVIATION for deoxyribonucleic acid, is the genetic mate-rial in the cells of all living organisms.1 DNA carries the cell’s genetic information and hereditary characteristics:2 everything from eye color to a predisposition to certain diseases. At least a century of scientific study and experimentation directed at understanding genes, cells, and the genetic building blocks of life preceded the first application of DNA analysis in criminal forensics. I learned a lot about DNA. It was truly coming of age during my term as attorney general, and I was committed to fully utilizing it.
