DNA Fingerprinting

What is the advantage of using multiple restriction enzymes to cut the DNA during DNA fingerprinting?

Multiple sets of data provide more evidence than a single set and allow us to make stronger conclusions.

What is the relationship between the DNA fragment length and the distance it traveled in the gel?

An inverse relationship. The longer the fragment, the less distance traveled.

What characteristic about the DNA molecule fragments allows them to separate when an electrical current is applied to gel in the electrophoresis box?

DNA has a partial negative charge that is attracted to the positive end of the electrical current.

Why do you need to use buffer?

It lets electrical charges flow through the gel.

Why is electricity required for electrophoresis to work?

It moves the DNA through the gel filter.

What moves father -- shorter or longer fragments? Why?

Shorter, because they are smaller.

Describe how the DNA fragments migrate through the gel matrix.

They move through the holes in the gel.

What is electrophoresis used for?

To sort DNA strands according to length.

If two lanes had bands/fragments at the same location, could you assume that the DNA at these locations was the same length? Why or why not?

Yes, because the same length fragments will travel at the same speed and therefore end up at the same place

What ingredients/materials are necessary to perform an electrophoresis experiment?

powdered agarose, buffer, flask, gel mold and gel comb