8B Genetic Fingerprinting Flashcards
Define variable number tandem repeats
Base sequences that do not code for proteins and repeat next to each other over and over
How is a genetic fingerprint made
A sample of DNA is obtained
PCR is used to make many copies of the DNA that contain the VNTR’s primers bind to either side of these repeats
A fluorescent tag is added so so they viewed under uv light
Describe electrophoresis
The DNA mixture is placed in a well in a slab of gel and covered in a buffer solution that conducts electricity
An electrical current is passed through DNA fragments are negatively charged so they move towards the positive electrode at the far end of the gel
Small fragments move faster and travel further through the gel so the DNA fragments separate according to size
How can genetic fingerprinting be used to determine genetic relationships
We inherit VNTR base sequences from our parents Roughly half come from each parent this the more bands that match on a genetic fingerprint the more closely related two people are
How can genetic fingerprinting be used to determine variability within a population
The greater the number of bands that don’t match on a genetic fingerprint the more genetically different two people are this means that you can come this you can compare the number of repeats at several places in the genome for a population to find out genetically varied that population is
How is genetic fingerprinting used in forensic science
The DNA is isolated
Each sample is replicated using PCR
The PCR products are run on electrophoresis gel and the genetic fingerprints and compared to see if they match
If the samples match it links a person to the crime scene
How is genetic fingerprinting used in forensic science
The DNA is isolated
Each sample is replicated using PCR
The PCR products are run on electrophoresis gel and the genetic fingerprints and compared to see if they match
If the samples match it links a person to the crime scene
How are genetic fingerprints used in medical diagnosis
It can be used to diagnose genetic disorders and cancer it’s useful when the specific mutation isn’t known or where several mutations could have caused the disorder because it identifies a broader altered genetic pattern
How can genetic fingerprinting be used in animal and pls breeding
Can be used to prevent inbreeding which decreases the gene pool
Inbreed can lead to an increased risk of genetic disorders leading to health productivity and reproductive problems
How closely related individuals are the more similar the genetic fingerprint the more closely related they are
