Topic 6 Flashcards
allele
Different version of the a gene which codes for a different version of the same gene
genome
all the DNA in a cell (all the genes)
What are introns
non-coding regions
what are exons
coding regions
What is the sequence of repeated bases in introns know as?
short tandem repeats or satellites
What is the same and what is different about STR on different chromosomes
They occur at the same place (same loci) however the number of times they are repeated varies
How do introns help scientists create a unique DNA profile?
they are unlikely to have the same combination of STRs with the same number of repeats within.
How is a DNA profile made?
- A sample of DNA is obtained
- Fragments of different lengths are created through cutting up the DNA
- The fragments are separated and visualised
- Then the profile is compared to another
How is DNA obtained?
- Tissue sample is broken down in a buffer solution
- The small suspended particles inc DNA are separated from the rest of the cell debris
- Protease enzymes are incubated with the suspension to remove proteins
- cold ethanol is added to precipitate out the DNA
- The DNA is then washed in a buffer solution multiple times
How are the fragments of DNA created?
Restriction enzymes are used. They will only cut up DNA at specific base sequences. They cut away the STR from the DNA.
What temperature do the 3 stages of a PCR occur at?
95C, 55C and 70C
What go into a PCR thermal cycler along with the sample of DNA?
DNA polymerase, DNA primers with florescent markers and nucleotides
What happens in the 3 stages of cycle 1 of a PCR?
-DNA separates into two strands -Primers (small pieces of DNA with florescent markers) attach at the start of the STR repeated sequence -DNA polymerase attach. Nucleotides are added, extending the DNA from the primer. The STR repeated sequence and DNA adjacent is replicated.
What happens in each cycle of a PCR?
The process is repeated producing copies that are just the STR sequence fragment.
How are DNA fragments separated?
gel electrophoresis
How do you produce a DNA profile?
-Double stranded DNA + restriction enzymes and the DNA is cut into fragments - Fragments of double stranded DNA are loaded into the wells of agarose gel in a tank -Negatively charged DNA moves towards the positive electrode and the fragments separate into invisible bands. -DNA transferred to a nylon membrane. -Membrane placed in bag with DNA probe . -Probe binds to fragments with a complimentary sequence -If DNA probe is radio active x-ray is used. If florescent, it is viewed using UV light.
How can genetic profiling be used to identify paternity?
Offspring inherit one STR from each parent.
When can body temperature be useful in determining time of death?
during the first 24 hours
what curve does the falling of body temperature follow?
Sigmoid curve
What factors effect post mortem cooling
Body size, body position, clothing, air movement, humidity and temperature of suroundings.
What is the sequence of events during rigor mortis?
1 Muscles become starved of oxygen and oxygen dependant reactions stop 2 Respiration of the cells becomes anaerobic and produces lactic acid 3 pH of cell falls, inhibiting enzymes and thus inhibiting anaerobic respiration 4 ATP needed for muscle contraction is no longer produced so bonds between muscles become fixed 5 proteins can no longer move over one another so the muscles and joins become fixed.
Autolysis
When the body’s own enzymes, from the digestive tract and from lysosomes, break down cells.
What is the first sign of decomposition
putrefaction when the abdomen turns green
why does the body turn greenish after death?
The formation of sulfhaemoglobin in the blood
Why does intense heat slow down decomposition
As the enzymes involved in autolysis become denatured.
What effect does temperature have on decomposition?
Warm temps speed it up and lower temperatures slow down decomposition.
when can forensic entomology not be used?
If temperature conditions of the body haven’t been fairly constant
Succession
As one group of organisms feed on a decomposing body conditions change in such a way that they become attractive to another group of organisms.
What is the role of microorganisms in the decomposition of organic matter and the recycling of carbon?
Microorganisms use the corpse as a food source with energy being released through aerobic and anaerobic respiration. Carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere by the respiring decomposers.
What are flagellum and what is their role?
Long hair like structure that rotates To make bacterium move.