DNA Technology

Question 1

PCR

Answer 1

polymerase chain reaction
a method to make copies of specific pieces of DNA and amplify them (denaturation, primer annealing, and elongation)
uses: Taq DNA polymerase, primers, DNA template, dNTPs
heat cycles to denature, anneal primers, and catalyze DNA synthesis

Question 2

DNA Analysis

Answer 2

isolate DNA samples
use PCR to make copies of certain DNA portions
analyze and compare amplified DNA using gel electrophoresis

Question 3

STR

Answer 3

short tandem repeat
stretch of DNA that is repetitive, but varies from person to person in the number of repeats present
used in DNA fingerprinting, maternal and paternal bands

Question 4

CODIS

Answer 4

combined DNA index system

used to store DNA information for criminals to catch repeat offenders

Question 5

Traditional Sanger DNA Sequencing

Answer 5

uses template strand, radioactive primers for region to be sequences, dNTPs and ddNTPs
100:1 ratio of dNTPs to ddNTPs allow DNA synthesis using dNTPs, plus ddNTPs for one base per reaction
run the four products from the reactions next to each other on a gel, resulting in a ladder to be read from bottom

Question 6

ddNTP

Answer 6

dideoxynucleotides

on 3’ carbon, has H instead of OH, thus cannot bind another nucleotide attached to its 3’ end

Question 7

Modern Sanger Sequencing

Answer 7

same as normal Sanger sequencing, except all in one reaction that has dye-labeled ddNTPs
dye labeled segments in capillary gel undergo electrophoresis, and the signals emitted are read by a laser to determine the sequence