Create a DNA Fingerprint ( http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/sheppard/analyze.html )
Introduction:
1. DNA is unique for everyone. The only exception is if a person has what?
Identical twins have the same DNA
2. What are DNA fingerprints used for?
To search for criminals and clear a suspect's name in a crime.
Part 1: “It Takes a Lickin”
3. What “crime” was committed?
A "holographic lollipop" was destroyed from its pristine condition
4. What bodily fluid was removed from the “crime scene” to get DNA?
Saliva from off the lollipop
Part 2: “DNA Fingerprinting at the NOVA Lab”
5. What does a restriction enzyme do?
They cut the DNA molecules in certain spots depending on the genetic coding
6. What is agarose gel?
A thick, porous, jello-like substance that "strains" the DNA, allowing smaller pieces to pass and larger ones to slow or not pass at all.
7. What is electrophoresis?
A process in which an electric current moves molecules around. Opposite poles attract negative DNA.
8. Smaller fragments of DNA move ____________ than longer strands?
More easily
9. Why do you need to place a nylon membrane over the gel?
The DNA is transferred to the nylon so it is more available and easier to work with.
10. Probes attach themselves to __________
The DNA fragments on the membrane, but only where the coding matches up.
11. Which chemical in your “virtual lab” is radioactive?
The probes were radioactive.
12. Sketch your DNA fingerprint.
There are twelve "bars" of the fingerprint, and from top to bottom, the sizes of the bars and the gaps change. The first three are similar, then they thicken. The whole thing looks like a barcode.
13. Based on your DNA fingerprint, who licked the lollipop?
Honey licked the lollipop because the prints match.
DNA workshop
14. What kinds of things could you do at the DNA workshop?
DNA replication and protein synthesis
Find an Article about DNA
Go to http://www.thegenesite.com/
15. Read an article about genetics at this site that you might find interesting, or use the "Search" box in the upper right hand corner to search for DNA fingerprinting.
Title of Article: How DNA Profilong Works
Author and Date: Shanna Freeman, January 2008
Summarize what the article was about. Write this in a paragraph format.
DNA profiling is also known as DNA typing or genetic typing. DNA profiling needs to be used in almost every situation with DNA, so that the DNA can be identified. It uses unique sequences to identify individual DNA. The bars are created by the separation of the different lengths of DNA strands. Because each sequence is unique, the profiles used to be called DNA fingerprints. To create one of these profiles, we must put the DNA through the process of electrophoresis. This involves inserting the DNA into an agarose gel, running electricity through it, and then dying the gel to view the now separated DNA sequences.
These sequences can be used in law enforcement to identify criminals, or even victims. This also helps in accidents where the victim is unable to identify themselves, such as victims in comas or with amnesia. Yet another way this can help is to prove a suspect innocent. DNA profiling also can reveal information about genealogy!
