Yes, hair can carry DNA.
DNA in Hair: Where Is It Found?
Hair is composed of two main parts that are relevant for DNA analysis:
- The Hair Follicle: This is the root of the hair that is embedded in the skin. The follicle is a rich source of DNA, containing both cellular DNA (nuclear DNA) and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA).
- The Hair Shaft: This is the visible part of the hair that extends from the scalp. The hair shaft primarily contains mtDNA and may only contain minimal amounts of nuclear DNA.
DNA Extraction from Hair
| Hair Part | DNA Type |
|---|---|
| Hair Follicle | Cellular DNA (nuclear DNA) and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). |
| Hair Shaft | Primarily mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and potentially minimal amounts of nuclear DNA. |
The isolation of DNA can be effectively carried out from the hair follicle to obtain both cellular and mitochondrial DNA. While the hair shaft mainly contains mtDNA, the limited amount of nuclear DNA might also be present. It's crucial to note that the follicle provides a better source, as it contains more and better-quality DNA for analysis.
Practical Implications
- Forensic Science: Hair samples are commonly used in forensic investigations to identify individuals. Analysis of the DNA from the follicle can help link a suspect to a crime scene.
- Paternity Testing: DNA from hair can be used to determine parentage in some cases.
- Ancestry Research: The analysis of mtDNA from hair can be used to trace maternal lineage.
Types of DNA in Hair
- Nuclear DNA: Found in the nucleus of a cell and contains unique genetic information from both parents.
- Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA): Found in the mitochondria of the cell, this type of DNA is inherited from the mother. It's more abundant in the hair shaft but is also present in the follicle.
