DNA Profiling

Question 1

What is DNA profiling?

Answer 1

-DNA profiling is a process used to identify an individual based on a sample of DNA.

Question 2

What is a DNA profile/fingerprint?

Answer 2

-A pattern used, which is unique to an individual, and is based on their DNA.

Question 3

How is DNA profiling used?

Answer 3

-Used to identify crime suspects in forensic investigations.
-Used as proof of paternity
-Used to determine cause of genetic defects.
-Used to trace missing persons.
-Used to identify the compatibility of tissue types for organ transplants.

Question 4

What is PCR and what does it do?

Answer 4

PCR = Polymerase Chain Reaction
-Polymerase chain reaction replicates DNA, as there is usually insufficient DNA for testing.

-It can make millions of DNA segments from just a few copies of sample DNA.

Question 5

How does PCR replicate DNA?

Answer 5

-DNA is replicated through cycles of heating and cooling, and by using nucleotides, the DNA fragments are replicated.

Question 6

What is Gel Electrophoresis?

Answer 6

-Gel electrophoresis is a method that separates nucleic acids according to their size.

Question 7

How is the barcode pattern created during electrophoresis?

Answer 7

-Restriction enzymes cut up DNA at specific points -> results in different-sized pieces of DNA.
-Those pieces of DNA move through the gel under the influence of an electric field.

• smaller pieces move faster than large ones.

Question 8

What are STR’s?

Answer 8

STR - Short Tandem Repeat

-repeating sequences of base pairs

Question 9

Discuss the ethics in obtaining DNA samples:

Answer 9

-It is illegal to obtain DNA samples without consent.
-Confidential genetic info may be accessed -> people can be discriminated against based on this genetic info.