DNA Fingerprinting

1. DNA is unique for everyone. The only exception is if a person has what?
If the person has an identical twin.

2. What are DNA fingerprints used for?
They can be used to help solve a crime and identify a biological mother or father.

Part 1 “It Takes a Lickin”

3. What “crime” was committed?
Someone ate part of Jimmy's lollipop.

4. What bodily fluid was removed from the “crime scene” to get DNA?
Saliva

Part 2 “DNA Fingerprinting at the NOVA Lab”

5. What does a restriction enzyme do?
They cut the DNA at different locations.

6. What is agarose gel?
It is a think, porous, jello-like molecule strainer.

7. What is electrophoresis?
It is a process of moving electrically charged molecules.

8. Smaller fragments of DNA move ____________ than longer strands?
faster

9. Why do you need to place a nylon membrane over the gel?
Because it makes it easier to move than it would be without.

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

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

12. Sketch your DNA fingerprint.
It is a stretch of horizontal lines that vary in thickness.

13. Based on your DNA fingerprint, who licked the lollipop?

Honey licked the lollipop.

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

You could learn about DNA and protein synthesis.