Gel Electrophoresis

Question 1

Be able to explain the entire process: restriction enzyme use, how DNA is separated on a gel.

Answer 1

Purpose:
Gel electrophoresis is used to separate DNA fragments by size, enabling analysis of DNA samples.

Process:

Restriction Enzymes: DNA is digested with restriction enzymes to cut it into smaller fragments.

Gel Loading: The DNA fragments are loaded into wells in an agarose gel.

Electrophoresis: An electric current is applied, causing negatively charged DNA fragments to move through the gel towards the positive electrode. Smaller fragments move faster than larger ones, so the DNA separates by size.

Which is how DNA is separated they are separated by size.

Question 2

(Gel electrophoresis) The uses….Paternity, forensics, evolutionary relationships etc.

Answer 2

Applications:

Paternity testing: DNA from a child and possible father are compared. Matching bands indicate a genetic relationship.

Forensics: DNA samples from a crime scene can be compared to suspects’ DNA to identify the perpetrator.

Evolutionary relationships: DNA from different species can be compared to determine evolutionary relationships based on similarity in band patterns.

Question 3

Be able to analyze a gel to determine paternity OR crime scene data

Answer 3

Analyzing a Gel: To determine paternity or forensic information, you would look at the banding patterns of DNA samples. In paternity tests, bands from the child must match those of the biological father. In forensics, matching bands from crime scene samples and suspect samples can confirm identity.