Topic 2:5 DNA profiling

Question 1

List some reasons why DNA profiling matters in the real world?

Answer 1

-Paternity (determine the father of a child)

-criminal justice - DNA testing can help solve crimes by comparing the DNA profiles of suspects to offender samples

-siblings or twins - determining relations

-identification - used to identify people that are injured in high risk jobs

Question 2

what is a DNA sample?

Answer 2

an extracted piece of target DNA which can be extracted from a variety of sources, e.g. blood or saliva from a crime scene or a gene of interest from a plant or animal

Question 3

what’s the first step of DNA extraction from a target cell

Answer 3

Cell lysis: Detergents are added to breakdown and dissolve the cell and nuclear membranes to release the DNA.

Question 4

what’s the second step of DNA extraction from a target cell

Answer 4

Protein removal: Protease and RNAase enzymes are added to remove proteins and RNA. The sample is placed into a centrifuge to form a pellet of all the cell debris.

Question 5

what’s the third step of DNA extraction from a target cell

Answer 5

DNA precipitation: Add ice-cold ethanol -> DNA precipitates from solution.

Question 6

what’s the fourth step of DNA extraction from a target cell

Answer 6

DNA purification: The DNA is washed to remove any impurities.