Biochemical alterations of bone subjected to fire

Document Type

Syllabus

Publication Date

7-19-2023

Abstract

In order to understand the changes undergone by bone once it is subjected to fire, one must first understand its makeup in vivo. Around 90% of bone volume is accounted for by its extracellular matrix, which is a two-phase composite material comprised of a mineral phase, an organic phase and water. The in vivo bone structure and makeup undergoes several changes via diagenetic processes post-mortem. These changes are accelerated and more severe when the bone is subjected to heating. There are four main stages that bone undergoes when subjected to high temperatures: dehydration, decomposition, inversion, and fusion. There are only a few studies analyzing the specific effects of fire on DNA. The majority aim to assess the recovery of a full nuclear DNA profile with identification purposes. To serve this objective, bones and/or teeth were subjected to different temperatures and times to evaluate DNA yield, amplification, and profiling.

Identifier

85168644876 (Scopus)

ISBN

[9781119682608, 9781119682745]

Publication Title

Burnt Human Remains Recovery Analysis and Interpretation

External Full Text Location

https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119682691.ch11

First Page

192

Last Page

212

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