Barr body (sex chromatin body) is a unique chromatin structure formed in the nuclei of mammalian female representing a single inactive X- Chromosome. First identified as nucleolar satellite as the bodies were stained with nuclear dyes and associated with nucleus in female cat neurons (1949). This discovery evolves as an important tool owing to the scientific advancement and technology. Natural disasters, military conflicts, terrorism, wars results in unrecognized bodies, as a drastic change is seen in the criminal scenario. Identification of true gender/establishing eccentricity in forensic medicine by dental identification proves to be a specialized and reliable method. Tooth being the most valuable source to extract DNA in the form of Barr bodies as it is protected from the detrimental effects of impact, trauma & heat. The true genetic evidence i.e. Barr bodies can be obtained from dental pulp, buccal smears, hair follicle etc. In this review we will recap the discovery of this fascinating biological phenomenon, the making of “BARR BODY”, its origin, characteristics, its significance and unraveling the Barr bodies in forensics.
