DNA Fingerprinting Simulation Step 1: Pour restriction enzymes into DNA
What happens The restriction enzymes act like scissors that cut the DNA into smaller fragments Because each person has a unique DNA sequence, his or her DNA is cut in a unique pattern The lengths of the fragments will vary from person to person
Step 2: Pour agarose gel into tray on lab counter
What happens Agarose gel has a web-like molecular structure similar to that of Jell-O The agarose gel separates the DNA fragments based on size because larger fragments have a harder time moving through the “web” and move more slowly than smaller fragments
Step 3: Pour DNA into tray
What Happens? The DNA is added to depressions, or holes, in the agarose gel /51DB DA-45ED-A3CE-7C06AA5C1963/0/mod1_2_agaro_gel.jpg /381532A7-44EE-4E62-9F57- 83DEA4D0EFBA/0/mod1_2_photo.jpg
Step 4: Turn on switch to begin electrophoresis
What happens? The electric current causes the DNA molecules to begin moving DNA fragments have a slight negative charge, so they move toward the positive end of the gel/tray. By the end of electrophoresis the fragments will be separated according to their lengths.
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Step 5: Place nylon membrane on top of the gel
What happens? The agarose gel is very thin and difficult to move around, so a nylon membrane is placed on top of it The nylon membrane “blots” up the DNA (kind of like a paper towel)
Step 6: Add probes to nylon membrane
What happens? The radioactive probes attach themselves to DNA fragments that have stuck to the nylon membrane Any excess (non-stuck) probes are washed away
Step 7: Place x-ray film on top of nylon membrane
What happens? The radioactivity from the probes exposes the x-ray film in any places where the probes have attached You can visualize the locations where the probes have stuck to the nylon membrane
Step 8: Develop film by dragging it to the developer
What happens? The film is developed and shows the locations on the nylon membrane where the probes attached themselves to DNA fragments.
The results Carmela Honey Candy
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