gs that vary across individuals (as opposed to the sections of DNA strings that are ôconservedö or the same for all people), thereby making more DNA available for typing (Riley, 1998, p. 1). These variable regions are copied in a test tube that is placed in a device known as a ôthermal cycler,ö which is itself heated and cooled in several cycles (Riley, 1998, p. 1). During each cycle, DNA fragments from the targeted variable section are copied and the quantity of DNA available for typing increases exponentially during each cycle (Riley, 1998, p. 1). Notably, however, PCR copies can be contaminated and give inaccurate results if the initial DNA is in poor condition or is simply too small to provide enough DNA for PCR treatment (Riley, 1998, p. 1).
The difference between the reliability and conclusiveness of the results afforded between RFLP and PCR testing was the difference between freedom and life in prison for Kirk Bloodsworth. In March
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