5. Genetic fingerprinting

Question 1

define gel electropheresis

Answer 1

a technique used to separate polar molecules such as:
- DNA
- RNA
- proteins

Question 2

what does gel electrophoresis rely on?

Answer 2

an electric current, with the samples placed in an agar plate in order to slow the movement down

Question 3

which charge will DNA move towards

Answer 3

positive

Question 4

what overall charge does DNA have?

Answer 4

negative

Question 5

outline the method of gel electropheresis

Answer 5

1. Amplified DNA fragments are mixed into a buffer solution and pipetted into an agar plate, in the gaps
2. the gel is placed into the tank, allowing the DNA to move towards the positive side of the tank
3. the smaller and therefore lighter DNA will move further along
4. the gels are removed from the tank and observed and photographed under a UV light

Question 6

list the uses of genetic fingerprinting

Answer 6

• medical diagnosis
• plant and animal breeding
• forensic diagnostics

Question 6

define VNTRs

Answer 6

they are repeating sequences of DNA found within an eukaryotes genome

Question 7

VNTRs are specific to _______

Answer 7

individuals

Question 8

outline the process of obtaining DNA fragments for genetic fingerprinting

Answer 8

1. restriction endonucleases are used to make DNA fragments VNTRs
2. these fragments are amplified via PCR
3. Gel electrophoresis then separates the DNA fragments
4. samples are then compared