Sex determination from mesiodens of Indian children by amelogenin gene

CONTEXT: The identification of sex is the first and the foremost step in forensic science. Teeth consist of enamel which is the hardest tissue available in the body, protector of DNA presents in pulp tissue at the time of exposure of tooth to adverse conditions. Teeth can be stated as a sealed box of mystery as it contains various human and bacterial DNA for molecular utilization. AIM AND OBJECTIVE: The aim is to determine sex from mesiodens on the basis of gene identification by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Total number of sample was 8 human-extracted mesiodens. DNA was isolated and was subjected to PCR analysis with use of predesigned primers for amelogenin (AMEL) X and AMEL Y genes. RESULTS: Isolation of genomic and mitochondrial DNA from mesiodens was successful in six samples (75%). In samples, quantity of DNA present was also calculated. CONCLUSION: Mesiodens are a good source of DNA and are a very useful tool in identification of sex using PCR analysis which was simple and effective. Hence, the procedure presented in the present study can be applied for extraction of DNA and identification of sex for forensic purpose.