Forensics Journal - Stevenson University 2014 | Page 29

STEVENSON UNIVERSITY

number of reference samples. However, even with DNA degradation
of samples, the COI gene could still be sequenced after four weeks
(Dawnay et al. 4). Therefore, even with a degraded sample, if a reference sample is available in the database, scientists may still be able to
identify the species using the COI mtDNA gene.

for its gall bladders (Neme 73). The fact that gall bladders are one
of the most profitable animal products, coupled with the fact that
a layperson may not be able to distinguish a bear gall bladder from
another animal’s gall bladder, creates an opportunity for