Abstract: Objective To compare the effectiveness of two methods of DNA extraction from different colour costal cartilages in STR genotyping. Methods DNA fragments were extracted from costal cartilages of different colour of 30 corrupt corpses using Chelex-100 and Phenol-Chloroform methods. STR loci were analyzed by ABI 3100 genetic analyzer after PCR amplification by using Profiler Plus kit. Results STR loci were completely detected in all 30 samlpes of costal cartilages when using Phenol-Chloroform DNA extraction methods. While using Chelex-100 methods, all STR loci were identified in 22 cases (11 white, 8 light-yellow and 3 yellow cases). Partial STR loci were detected in 7 cases (3 yellow and 4 yellow-brown cases) and none in 1 brown-black cases. Conclusion Suitable DNA extracion methods will be chosen depends on the colour of costal cartilage. Phenol-Chloroform methods is more effective in STR genotyping especially in dark colour costal cartilage cases.

Key words: Chelex-100, Phenol-Chloroform, DNA extraction, costal cartilages