UM OLHAR SOBRE A GENÉTICA FORENSE

Abstract

Forensic genetics represents an important tool applied to criminal investigation through the analysis of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) for human identification and crime solving. This study aimed to review the historical evolution of forensic genetics, its main laboratory techniques, investigative applications, and the legal aspects related to the National Database of Genetic Profiles (BNPG) in Brazil. It is a literature review based on scientific articles, legislation, and specialized documents. The results showed that techniques such as extraction, quantification, evaluation, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), short tandem repeats (STR), single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP), next generation sequencing (NGS), and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) have significantly improved the accuracy of genetic analyses, even in degraded samples. Additionally, it was noted that the implementation of the BNPG has strengthened data sharing among Brazilian forensic laboratories and contributed to thousands of criminal investigations. However, the study highlighted ethical and legal debates related to the compulsory collection of DNA and the protection of genetic data. It is concluded that forensic genetics plays an essential role in contemporary criminal investigation, requiring technical rigor, respect for the chain of custody, and observance of fundamental rights.