1. “Who’s your Daddy??” Featuring Honey the Cat
Lab by Dr. Wu, Fullerton College
Powerpoint by Dr. Gundry, Long Beach Poly

2. Three months ago, Mary’s cat, Honey, disappeared for two days.
The Story
Three months ago, Mary’s cat, Honey, disappeared for two days.
Honey started gaining weight, eating more and was more affectionate to Mary.
2 months after Honey disappeared, Mary found her cat in the closet with 4 kittens!
But who was the father of the kittens?

3. Honey and her kittens (4 weeks old)
Molasses
Sugar
Cream
Ginger

4. The Possible Fathers (That we know of….)
Mary knew there were two male cats on the street who were not neutered.
Cat litters can have more than one Dad.
Tom
Butch

5. Which male cat does each kitten resemble?
Cream
Molasses
Ginger
Sugar
Butch
Tom

6. Solving the mystery
Mary knew that every organism has unique DNA.
Could use DNA fingerprinting technique to compare DNA of each kitten to Honey and the two possible fathers.

7. Getting the DNA samples
Mary took hair follicles from each cat and carefully labeled them. She then extracted the DNA and amplified the amount of DNA using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).

8. Running the Gel
Because Mary does not have the equipment at home, she has given the samples to YOU to run at your lab.
Run the samples by gel electrophoresis and compare the samples to determine the paternity of the kittens.

9. Looking at the results
Now your job is to look at the results of the gel electrophoresis and decide the paternity of the kittens.
Use the data table provided.
I’ve always wanted to be a dad
DAD?
DAD?
DAD?
DAD?
I think they have my nose!