Forensic DNA Vocabulary

What is electrophoresis?

• A technique to separate DNA fragments using an electrical current

• A method to synthesize proteins

• A process to replicate RNA

• A technique to break down lipids

The drawing shows the structure of what molecule?

• DNA molecule

• lipid molecule

• carbohydrate molecule

• protein molecule

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS1-1

DNA fingerprinting works because

• Most genes are dominant

• All organisms contain RNA

• The most important genes are different among most people

• No two people, except identical twins, have exactly the same DNA 

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS3-2

Once DNA has been extracted from the nucleus of a cell, it is exposed to ______ ______ that act like biochemical scissors to cut the DNA.

• restriction enzymes

• gel agarose

• clotting factors

• electric shock

Which suspect is likely guilty?

• Suspect #1

• Suspect #2

• Suspect #3

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

• To measure the size of DNA fragments

• To stain the DNA

• To increase the speed of electrophoresis

• To denature the DNA

Which of the following is a common method for amplifying DNA samples in forensic analysis?

• Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

• Southern Blotting

• Western Blotting

• Northern Blotting

In forensic DNA analysis, what is the role of Short Tandem Repeats (STRs)?

• To identify genetic mutations

• To determine the age of a DNA sample

• To provide a unique DNA profile

• To sequence the entire genome

What is the function of a DNA probe in forensic science?

• To cut DNA at specific sites

• To amplify DNA sequences

• To identify specific DNA sequences

• To separate DNA fragments by size

Which of the following best describes mitochondrial DNA in forensic investigations?

• It is inherited from both parents

• It is unique to each individual

• It is inherited only from the mother

• It is used to determine eye color