Date of Submission
5-12-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Advisor
Ashley Morgan
Keywords
physical activity, DNA deposition, real-time PCR, linear regression
LCSH
exercise, DNA--analysis, polymerase chain reaction, regression analysis
Abstract
In the field of Forensic Science, trace DNA has been used to help identify potential offenders for a number of years. Researchers have conducted studies into how trace DNA behaves on certain surfaces such as fabric and wood. They have found that surfaces seem to have a significant influence on how much DNA is deposited and persists on the surface. However, no work has been conducted into how physical activity effects DNA deposition. The goal of this research was to evaluate the relationship between physical activity and DNA deposition. Seven individuals agreed to participate in this project by providing biological samples. They were asked to perform cardiovascular based activity in increasing intervals. Control samples as well as experimental samples were collected and extracted using magnetic bead technology. Real-time PCR quantitation was performed on the extracted samples and the resulting data was statistically analyzed using a simple linear regression model. Based on the data, a negative relationship between DNA deposition and physical activity was discovered. Thus, as activity increased, DNA present in each sample decreased. While this relationship between the two variables is present, the data does not provide enough evidence to make any concrete conclusions. Thus, further research should be conducted to find out more about the results derived through this project.
Recommended Citation
Marsh, Sarah, "Determining the Effect of Physical Activity Level on the Amount of Trace DNA Deposited on a Non-Porous Surface" (2025). Honors Theses. 97.
https://digitalcommons.newhaven.edu/honorstheses/97