Chapter 4 “DNA Finger Printing” Mr. Davis Chapter 4 “DNA Finger Printing”

Polymerase Chain Reaction, or PCR, is a laboratory technique used to make multiple copies of a segment of DNA. PCR is very precise and can be used to amplify, or copy, a specific DNA target from a mixture of DNA molecules.

The Combined DNA Index System, or CODIS, enables federal, state, and local forensic laboratories to exchange and compare DNA profiles electronically, thereby linking serial violent crimes to each other and to known offenders. National DNA Index System of CODIS, the National Missing Persons DNA Database also helps identify missing and unidentified individuals.

Purpose of CODIS

Automated STR Analysis

Restriction Enzymes any of a group of enzymes that catalyze the cleavage of DNA molecules at specific sites: used for gene splicing in recombinant DNA technology and for chromosome mapping.

Restriction Enzymes

Variable Number of Tandem Repeats (VNTR) is a location in DNA where a short nucleotide sequence is organized as a tandem repeat with variations in length between individuals. a tandem repeat from a single genetic locus in which the number of repeated DNA segments varies from individual to individual and is used for identification purposes (as in DNA fingerprinting). VNTR

Importance of VNTR VNTRs are an important source of RFLP genetic markers used in linkage analysis (mapping) of genomes.  VNTRs are being used to study genetic diversity (DNA fingerprinting) and breeding patterns in animals.

Amplification

Introns & Exons In most eukaryotic genes, coding regions (exons) are interrupted by noncoding regions (introns). During transcription, the entire gene is copied into a pre-mRNA, which includes exons and introns. During the process of RNA splicing, introns are removed and exons joined to form a contiguous coding sequence.