Corneocyte
Definition
A terminally differentiated, anucleate cell forming the outermost skin layer (stratum corneum). Corneocytes shed continuously. Nucleated cells from deeper epidermal layers are also deposited during contact and are the primary source of DNA in touch samples.
Related terms
- Double-swab technique
- A collection method for dried biological stains in which a moistened swab rehydrates and lifts the stain from the surface, followed immediately...
- Low copy number (LCN) DNA
- An approach to analysing low-template samples by increasing the number of PCR amplification cycles, typically to 34 cycles. Increases sensitivity but also...
- Secondary transfer
- The movement of a glass fragment from a primary surface (which contacted the broken glass) to a secondary surface (which contacted the...
- Stochastic effect
- A random sampling artefact that occurs at very low template quantities. Examples include allelic dropout (an allele fails to amplify), allelic drop-in...
- Touch DNA
- Minute quantities of epithelial cells transferred by skin contact with a surface, without leaving a visible stain. Collected by swabbing contact points...
Explained in
- Touch DNA and Trace Biological MaterialA terminally differentiated, anucleate cell forming the outermost skin layer (stratum corneum). Corneocytes shed continuously. Nucleated cells from deeper epid...