0
ALL human cells contain some form of DNA except for red blood cells (but white blood cells still do, which is why you can get DNA from a blood sample). Even dead hair contains mitochondrial DNA, which is contained in an organelle called mitochondria, which provides cell energy.
It is a common misconception that dead skin cells, or the outermost layer of skin cells called the "stratum corneum" layer, contain no DNA or organells.
This is completely FALSE.
They actually contain BOTH a nucleus and all skin cell organelles, including all related DNA.
Dead skin cells are actually the number one form of DNA evidence used for testing in crime-related DNA analysis. (See touch DNA and fingernail evidence).
This is explained in every medical journal on skin. There is DNA from dead skin depected in crime dramas, DNA evidence from dead skin is reported on the news every single day, it is used in rape kits, police use dead skin found under the fingernails of victims more than any other DNA, this is even explained on childrens shows like "Bill Nye the Science Guy" and "Beakmans world", yet people fight over it on Wikipedia and seemingly well educated Biology teachers are still misinforming their students.
So why do so many people think there is no DNA in dead skin cells?
The misconception is over 100 years old and comes from the fact that the outermost layer of skin has gone through a process called "keratinization", which also ultimately causes the cells demise and vastly changes it's appearance. This process "degrades" both the nucleus and organelles, but does not "delete" them. When this layer was first observed under a microscope, it appeared to contain no nucleus, and since visual observation was basically the only method of study at the time, and microscopes did not have very good resolving ability, it was taught in schools (incorreclty) that it in fact did not contain a nucleus or organelles, and in all related drawings, it was drawn without them.
However, we have since learned more about how the skin actually works; namely, that all layers of skin are generated from the dermis, or, first layer of skin. While in this layer, it has always been known to contain both a nucleus as well as organells, however, knowledge that this layer was pushed out and became all the other layers was not known, hence the misconception that the outer layer was totally different and did not contain a nucleus.
So if someone tells you the outer layer of your skin contains no DNA, just ask them if they know all skin stems from the dermis, and ask them if they understand the dermis contains DNA. If they have a hard time following that, ask them to look up "touch DNA", which explains DNA indeed appears even in your fingerprints themselves.
What else can I help you with?
What cells carry DNA?
The main cells in your body that contain DNA and RNA are your skin cells. This is because skin cells hold more then the DNA to skin. The DNA in skin also tells a person's eye color, height, hair color and bone structure. RNA in any cell is used to transfer any messages from one cell to another.
Does semen contain dna?
yes it does as do all bodily fluids, organs, tissue, hair and even fingernails and dead skin.
Can you extract DNA from sweat?
Yes, it is possible to extract DNA from sweat. Sweat contains skin cells that may contain DNA, which can be extracted using specialized techniques for analysis and identification.
Is it true or false that prokaryotic cells contain more DNA than eukaryotic cells?
False. Eukaryotic cells generally contain more DNA than prokaryotic cells. Eukaryotic cells have their DNA enclosed within a nucleus, whereas prokaryotic cells have their DNA located in the cytoplasm.
How valuable are red blood cells in DNA typing?
Red blood cells do not contain a nucleus, which means they lack DNA. As a result, red blood cells are not useful for DNA typing. Instead, white blood cells, which do contain DNA, are typically used for DNA profiling and typing in forensic analysis.
What cells carry DNA?
The main cells in your body that contain DNA and RNA are your skin cells. This is because skin cells hold more then the DNA to skin. The DNA in skin also tells a person's eye color, height, hair color and bone structure. RNA in any cell is used to transfer any messages from one cell to another.
Which human body parts don't contain DNA example do our skin and nail contain DNA?
Red blood cells
How is DNA be left on something?
Skin cells, hair, just to name two things. Almost all cells in the bofy contain extractable DNA.
Does a scab contain DNA?
Yes, a scab contains DNA from the cells that make up the skin tissue. These cells are responsible for healing the wound and forming the scab.
Does your body contain DNA?
yes in your blood hair skin particles cells teeth nails ect.
Does semen contain dna?
yes it does as do all bodily fluids, organs, tissue, hair and even fingernails and dead skin.
How often do you get dead skin cells?
dead cells in skin are brought near nails and they are cut. also they are ejected through excretion. All cells in your body are replaced several times over the course of your lifetime, even bone cells, using the nutrition you gain from foods. Your body replaces the cells as they need replacing. Each cell contains a copy of your unique DNA.
Do plants cells contain DNA why or why not?
Yes, plant cells contain DNA. They contain it because DNA is necessary to the cells so that they can carry the instructions to carry out life functions and reproduce.Nucleus and chloroplasts
Is it true or false that prokaryotic cells contain more DNA than eukaryotic cells?
False. Eukaryotic cells generally contain more DNA than prokaryotic cells. Eukaryotic cells have their DNA enclosed within a nucleus, whereas prokaryotic cells have their DNA located in the cytoplasm.
Can you extract DNA from sweat?
Yes, it is possible to extract DNA from sweat. Sweat contains skin cells that may contain DNA, which can be extracted using specialized techniques for analysis and identification.
How valuable are red blood cells in DNA typing?
Red blood cells do not contain a nucleus, which means they lack DNA. As a result, red blood cells are not useful for DNA typing. Instead, white blood cells, which do contain DNA, are typically used for DNA profiling and typing in forensic analysis.
Do fingerprints contain DNA?
No it does not. However, if there was blood, saliva, or sweat on the finger that made the print, it would theoretically be possible to collect the material and extract dna from it.
