<P> Nuclear DNA is known as the molecule of life and contains the genetic instructions for the development of all living organisms . It is found in almost every cell in the human body, with exceptions such as red blood cells . Everyone has a unique genetic blueprint, even identical twins . Forensic departments such as the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are able to use techniques involving nuclear DNA to compare samples in a case . Techniques used include polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which allows one to utilize very small amounts of DNA by making copies of targeted regions on the molecule, also known as short tandem repeats (STRs). </P> <P> Like mitosis, meiosis is a form of eukaryotic cell division . Meiosis gives rise to four unique daughter cells, each of which has half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell . Because meiosis creates cells that are destined to become gametes (or reproductive cells), this reduction in chromosome number is critical--without it, the union of two gametes during fertilization would result in offspring with twice the normal number of chromosomes . </P> <P> Meiosis creates new combinations of genetic material in each of the four daughter cells . These new combinations result from the exchange of DNA between paired chromosomes . Such exchange means that the gametes produced through meiosis exhibit an amazing range of genetic variation . </P> <P> Meiosis involves two rounds of nuclear division, not just one . Prior to undergoing meiosis, a cell goes through an interphase period in which it grows, replicates its chromosomes, and checks all of its systems to ensure that it is ready to divide . </P>

Compare and contrast mitochondrial dna and nuclear dna