NC EOC Review: DNA Fingerprinting & Gel Electrophoresis

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What is DNA Fingerprinting?

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DNA Fingerprinting is a technique used to identify individuals based on their unique DNA profiles. It analyzes specific regions of DNA that vary greatly among individuals.

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What is Gel Electrophoresis?

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Gel Electrophoresis is a laboratory method used to separate DNA fragments based on their size. It involves applying an electric current to a gel matrix, causing smaller fragments to move faster than larger ones.

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How does DNA fingerprinting help in forensic science?

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DNA fingerprinting helps in forensic science by allowing investigators to match DNA samples from a crime scene with potential suspects, thereby identifying or excluding individuals.

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What role do restriction enzymes play in DNA fingerprinting?

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Restriction enzymes cut DNA at specific sequences, creating fragments of varying lengths that can be analyzed for fingerprinting.

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Why are lighter-weight DNA fragments found at the bottom of a gel during electrophoresis?

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Lighter-weight DNA fragments move faster through the gel matrix due to less resistance, causing them to travel further down the gel compared to heavier fragments.

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What is the significance of the bands observed in a gel electrophoresis result?

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The bands represent different DNA fragments; their position and intensity can indicate the presence of specific DNA sequences and help in comparing samples.

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What is the purpose of using a DNA ladder in gel electrophoresis?

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A DNA ladder serves as a molecular weight marker, allowing for the estimation of the size of DNA fragments in the samples being analyzed.

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How can DNA fingerprinting be used in paternity testing?

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DNA fingerprinting can determine paternity by comparing the child's DNA with that of the potential father; a match indicates biological relatedness.

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What is the process of PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) in relation to DNA analysis?

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PCR is a technique used to amplify small segments of DNA, making it easier to analyze and compare DNA samples in fingerprinting.

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What are alleles and how do they relate to DNA fingerprinting?

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Alleles are different versions of a gene that can exist at a specific locus on a chromosome; variations in alleles contribute to the uniqueness of an individual's DNA profile.