Forensic biology: practice question

A Forensic Medicine question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Forensic Medicine · Forensic biology

Sample item

What is the principal value of short tandem repeat analysis in forensic biology?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Compare DNA profiles from biological samples

Short tandem repeat profiling compares variable DNA loci from evidentiary and reference samples, allowing statistical assessment of whether a biological trace could have originated from a particular individual or related person.

Option by option

  • A. Estimate blood glucose immediately

    Blood glucose requires biochemical testing, not STR profiling.

  • B. Compare DNA profiles from biological samples (correct)

    Correct: STR analysis is used for forensic DNA-profile comparison.

  • C. Measure bone density

    Bone density is assessed with imaging such as DEXA.

  • D. Identify a drug by odour

    Drug identification requires validated toxicology methods rather than odour.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Forensic Medicine questions

Questions about this Forensic Medicine question

What is the answer to this Forensic Medicine question?

The best answer is B, Compare DNA profiles from biological samples. Short tandem repeat profiling compares variable DNA loci from evidentiary and reference samples, allowing statistical assessment of whether a biological trace could have originated from a particular individual or related person.

Why is "Estimate blood glucose immediately" not the answer?

Blood glucose requires biochemical testing, not STR profiling.

Why is "Measure bone density" not the answer?

Bone density is assessed with imaging such as DEXA.

Why is "Identify a drug by odour" not the answer?

Drug identification requires validated toxicology methods rather than odour.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Forensic biology in Forensic Medicine. The correct option holds because: Correct: STR analysis is used for forensic DNA-profile comparison.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Forensic biology?

Learn postmortem changes with their timelines, and toxicology as poison, sign, test and antidote. Then use the flashcards and the other Forensic Medicine questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.