DNA Profiling: A Science By: Will Boultinghouse, Eli Cooper, and Aman Singh.

First Things First To understand what DNA Profiling is you have to know what DNA is. DNA is the genetic material found in the nucleus of our cells, as well as, other eukaryotic organisms. DNA is also found in prokaryotic cells. DNA is made up of adenine, thymine, guanine, and cytosine. Our DNA is what makes us different. It gives us our traits and determines who we are. It can be used for many things, including cloning, diagnosing diseases, and much more. Most importantly, it can be used in the Forensic Sciences. You can use DNA Profiling to determine whether a particular suspect was at a crime scene and whether that suspect may have committed the crime in question. This is what DNA Profiling can be used for.

The Porpoise ) The purpose, in our case, for DNA Profiling is to exonerate or rule out a suspect to a crime. You utilize this process with each suspect’s DNA and any other DNA found at the crime scene. A profiler can compare the suspect’s DNA with the DNA found at the crime scene and find out who-dun-it.

Let’s Get Started! First Things First. To be able to utilize DNA Profiling, you need DNA. Accordingly, the first step is to obtain the genetic material. The sample of DNA needs to be well preserved. It needs to be free of contamination. This will ensure that your results are as accurate and precise as possible.

Extraction Step two of DNA profiling is extraction. Basically, you just have to remove the DNA from the specimen you are using. Whether it be hair or blood, you have to remove the DNA from the other “gunk” so that you can perform the rest of the process.

Dominoes Step three is to amplify the DNA with polymerase chain reactions (PCR). PCR copies a part of the DNA over and over again so that it is easier to get results and to test the DNA. PCR has three steps: Denaturing, Annealing, and Extension. A Thermal Cycler is used to make PCR happen.

Cutting the DNA Step four is where you cut the DNA using restriction enzymes. The restriction enzymes are made especially for that strand of DNA and target specific patterns in the DNA. The restriction enzymes cut the DNA into RFLP’s (Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphisms) which are used for comparison when it comes to the next steps.

Gel Electrophoresis Step five is very crucial. If you misplace the DNA, it may cause you to have to restart the entire process. Step five is called Gel Electrophoresis. It’s where you place your newly amplified and cut DNA into a gel. Then you run an electrical current through the gel. The longer the piece of DNA is the less distance it will go, and the shorter the DNA piece is the farther it will go.

Time for Results! Step six is where you finally get to compare the RFLP’s. Since the Gel Electrophoresis moved the DNA based on size, you can tell which suspect has the same DNA found at the crime scene. The bands from both the crime scene DNA and the suspect or victim will line up.

That’s Not All Folks Question Time! What Type of Nucleic Acid does my namesake, Uracil, come from? DNA LNA RNA ZNA