I was just curious. Someone asked me this question before. Does anyone know how this can be done?
2007-01-10 12:23:54 · 8 answers · asked by Laura 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
Yes. You need to have a genetic or cellular sample from the man, but these can indeed be obtained after he is dead. That could be the root of a strand of hair (but not the hair itself), a blood sample, or another tissue sample. It does get harder the more the remains decompose. Still, the bones of dead people are routinely used by scientists who want to confirm the identities of corpses or their supposed descendents. For example, the skeletons of the members of the Romanov family were used seventy-five years after they died in order to confirm their identities and to rule out individuals who had claimed to be Anastasia.
2007-01-10 12:27:32 · answer #1 · answered by DavidK93 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If there is still al viable source of the father's DNA available, it can be done. This includes hair follicles, teeth, bones, skin, etc... Many body parts still retain the DNA long after the person has died.
For example, parts of the DNA sequence from dinosaurs can be extracted and sequenced - and they've been dead for millions of years.
2007-01-10 20:28:52 · answer #2 · answered by Jess4352 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. A cell sample from the possible father is best (a toothbrush probably has enough DNA to do), but if that is not available, samples from the father's relatives can usually do the job.
2007-01-10 20:33:29 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If there is any DNA evidence still around (blood sample, hair, etc) then, yes.
If there is compelling reason enough (say, murder suspect, probably not for paternity) a body may be exhumed in extreme cases.
2007-01-10 20:28:08 · answer #4 · answered by amylee1178 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if the tissue is not too degraded, yes. it is also possible to get indirect (read: not absolutely conclusive) evidence by using a blood relative of the paternal candidate. it will give you a partial match and a likelihood of relatedness (or not)
2007-01-10 21:38:40 · answer #5 · answered by mornington observer 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes with the grandparents or a sibling of the dead father
2007-01-10 20:29:09 · answer #6 · answered by kelly r 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes
since the cells still left on his body can be taken for sample
or something he has touched, or left behind
maybe a hair?
2007-01-10 20:28:08 · answer #7 · answered by arthur!!! 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i believe so
2007-01-10 20:35:28 · answer #8 · answered by penguins.are.koo 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋