DNA Fingerprinting

Introduction:

1. DNA is unique for everyone. The only exception is if a person has what?
The only exception is identical twins.

2. What are DNA fingerprints used for?
DNA fingerprints can be used for anything from determining a biological mother or father to identifying the suspect of a crime.

Part 1 “It Takes a Lickin”

3. What “crime” was committed?
Some one entered Jimmy's room, opened his holographic lollipop and licked it.

4. What bodily fluid was removed from the “crime scene” to get DNA?
Saliva was removed from the lollipop and taken in for testing.

Part 2 “DNA Fingerprinting at the NOVA Lab”

5. What does a restriction enzyme do?
The restriction enzymes work like scissors and cut the DNA into portions according to the pattern.

6. What is agarose gel?
Agarose gel is a thick, porous, jelly-like substance.

7. What is electrophoresis?
Electrophoresis is the process of moving molecules by using electric currents.

8. Smaller fragments of DNA move ____________ than longer strands?
more easily through the gel

9. Why do you need to place a nylon membrane over the gel?
I placed the nylon membrane over the gel so that the DNA could be absorbed into it.

10. Probes attach themselves to __________
DNA fragments on the membrane.

11. Which chemical in your “virtual lab” is radioactive?
The probes are radioactive.

12. Sketch your DNA fingerprint.

file:///Users/sstahm/Desktop/Screen%20shot%202010-11-24%20at%208.50.20%20AM.png

13. Based on your DNA fingerprint, who licked the lollipop?
According to my DNA fingerprint, Honey licked the lollipop.

14. What kinds of things could you do at the DNA workshop?

You can be moved into a cell and be involved with replication and cell protein synthesis.

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

DNA Fingerprinting

Author and Date WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise April 20, 2009