Fingerprinting DNA
Intro
DNA is unique for everyone. The only exception is if a person has what?
The only exception is if you have and identical twin.
What are DNA fingerprints used for?
It can be used from anything to finding a biological mother or a biological father to help find a suspect of a crime.
It Takes a Lickin’
What “crime” was committed?
Somebody licked Jimmy Sweets holographic NOVA lollipop.
What bodily fluid was removed from the “crime scene” to get DNA?
The bodily fluid that was found saliva because you can lick a lollipop without leaving a bit of saliva.
“DNA Fingerprinting at the NOVA Lab”
What does a restriction enzyme do?
They cut the DNA molecules at different locations like scissors.
What is agarose gel?
Agarose gel is a thick, porous, jello-like substance. It acts as a molecular strainer, allowing smaller pieces of DNA to move through more easily than larger pieces.
What is electrophoresis?
The process of moving molecules with an electric current.
Smaller fragments of DNA move ____________ than longer strands?
Easier
Why do you need to place a nylon membrane over the gel?
The agarose gel is difficult to work with.
Probes attach themselves to __________.
DNA Fragments on the nylon membrane.
Which chemical in your “virtual lab” is radioactive?
The probes are radioactive
Sketch your DNA fingerprint.
It looks like a barcode from a store.
Based on your DNA fingerprint, who licked the lollipop?
Honey
What kinds of things could you do at the DNA workshop?
You can synthesize proteins and replicate DNA.
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 ____________________________ Author and Date ______________________________________
Summarize what the article was about. Write this in a paragraph format.
