[The molecular-genetic analysis of mitochondrial DNA from the burnt bones: 'the limits of the possible' problem revisited].

The authors report the results of the demonstrative study continuing the cycle of interactive discussions pertinent to the possibility of obtaining reliable genetic information from the analysis of burnt bone fragments. Special emphasis is placed on the worthiness of these materials for genotyping of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) with the use of the standard analytical methods employed for the purpose of forensic medical expertise to investigate into the length polymorphism of the amplified mtDNA fragments (PAF) by means of sequencing with fluorescent detection. The study has demonstrated that the mtDNA fragments in the state suitable for genotyping can be found only in the preparations from the bone tissue exposed to the 'mild' thermal impact after which the affected bone is virtually indistinguishable from the native one as far as the outward appearance is concerned.

[The molecular genetic analysis of chromosomal DNA in burned bones].

The objective of the present study was a demonstrative consideration of the debatable problem concerning the possibility of obtaining reliable genetic information by the investigation of burned bones. The bone fragments with the identifiable external features of different degree of ignition (i.e.