DNA Profiling Flashcards
1
Q
Where do the differences in human DNA occur?
A
- in the highly variable, non-coding part of DNA
2
Q
What does DNA profiling involve?
A
- extracting and identifying the highly variable regions of a person’s DNA that contain repeating sequences of base pairs
3
Q
What is a short tandem repeat?
A
- repeating sequences of base-pairs found in DNA
4
Q
How many different sites on DNA molecules are investigated to show that an individual’s profile is unique?
A
- 13-20 different sites
5
Q
What is a DNA profile?
A
- an individual/s unique DNA fragments, separated by electrophoresis
6
Q
What is the first step in creating a DNA profile?
A
- the cells are treated with chemicals to extract the DNA
7
Q
What happens after the DNA is extracted during the creation of a DNA profile?
A
- restriction enzymes are used to cut at the beginning and end of each repeated sequence
- resulting in fragments of different lengths
8
Q
What happens after restriction enzymes are used to create fragments of DNA during the creation of a DNA profile?
A
- through a complicated process known as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) a large number of these fragments are made to provide a substantial amount of DNA to work with
9
Q
What is Polymerase Chain Reaction?
A
- a laboratory technique used to make multiple copies of a segment of DNA
10
Q
What happens after a PCR is performed during the creation of a DNA profile?
A
- the DNA fragments that result are then separated and detected
- using different techniques such as electrophoresis
11
Q
What is gel electrophoresis?
A
- a method to separate large molecules mainly on the basis of size and electrical charge
12
Q
What are the uses of DNA profiling?
A
- forensics
- diagnosing inherited disorders
- identifying casualties
- paternity testing
- fight illegal trading
13
Q
What are the disadvantages of DNA profiling?
A
- violation of privacy
- issues with accuracy
- manipulation
