Activity 1.2.3 DNA Analysis

An individuals code

Determines the number of times the restriction enzymes will cut and the number and size of DNA pieces that will result

People's DNA

Everyone's DNA is slightly different

The restriction enzyme haelll cuts between the base pairs

GG CC

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)

It enables scientists to produce millions of copies of a specific DNA sequence from a small amount of DNA

Restriction enzymes cut DNA at specific

Nucleotide sequences

Explain the role that restriction enzymes and gel electrophoresis play in DNA profiling.

Restriction enzymes and gel electrophoresis help identify DNA easier by cutting the DNA into smaller sections that can be compared easier. Restriction enzymes cut the DNA into fragments which then allow the gel electrophoresis to carry them different distances. The size and how far the fragment traveled help compare similarities in DNA.

Besides DNA profiling, for what other reasons might scientists and researchers use DNA analysis? Explain your reasoning.

Scientists and researchers may use DNA analysis to analyse genetic disorders, paternity test, or to discover any predispositions for genetic disorders.

DNA profiling

To avoid the confusion with actual fingerprinting

nucleotide

a building block of DNA, consisting of a five carbon sugar covalently bonded to a nitrogenous base and a phosphate group

guanine

a component of nucleic acids that carries hereditary information in DNA and RNA in cells. A purine base.

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)

a double stranded, helical nucleic acid molecule capable of replicating and determining the inherited structure of a cell's proteins

Describe how the biomedical science professional introduced in this activity would assist with Anna's case.

A forensic DNA analyst might assist in Anna's case by studying the DNA in the blood and/or to determine who they belong to.

DNA Fingerprint

A set of DNA puzzle pieces unique to the individual to create a

Restriction endonucleases (restriction enzymes)

Act as molecular scissors that can cut DNA in specific location

Whose DNA was found at the crime scene? Explain how you came to your conclusion.

Anna's DNA was found at the crime scene. This could be concluded because on the Activity 1.2.3 sheet, all the DNA fragments from the crime scene and Anna's had the same number of base pairs.

What would happen if the gel was placed with the DNA starting closest to the positive electrode?

The DNA would move off the gel because it would not be attracted to a different charge. The gel electrophoresis would not work. DNA has an negative charge, so if it was a positive electrode it would not work. The smaller fragments would not move therefore DNA would not be able to be compared.

Gel electrophoresis

These pieces can then be separated and compares using a process called. a process when pieces of DNA are cut by restriction enzymes a numerous amount of times (which result in the size and number of DNA pieces) and are separated and compared. Also, it is when varying lengths of DNA fragments move at different speeds through an agarose gel