Case Study 5 – DNA Profiling & Gel Electrophoresis

These flashcards cover objectives, procedures, key techniques, and essential terminology related to DNA profiling and gel electrophoresis for the Kampung ABC bacterial outbreak case study.

What is the main goal of DNA profiling in the Kampung ABC outbreak?

To establish a bacterial DNA fingerprint that will help categorize the newly discovered bacterium for better disease management.

Which two microscopic techniques are provided to assist in identifying the bacterium?

Gram staining and transmission electron micrograph (TEM).

Name two key objectives of the gel electrophoresis experiment in this case study.

(1) Understand the principles of DNA profiling for identifying an unknown DNA sample. (2) Recognize the materials used to perform gel electrophoresis.

Why is categorizing the bacterium essential for public health professionals?

It enables more effective management and treatment strategies for the bacterial infection in the future.

List the general experimental flow for creating a bacterial DNA fingerprint.

(1) Isolate bacterial DNA. (2) Cut DNA with restriction enzymes. (3) Load fragments into an agarose gel. (4) Run gel electrophoresis to separate fragments by size. (5) Stain and visualize DNA bands. (6) Compare banding patterns to create the DNA fingerprint.

What is the purpose of using restriction enzymes in DNA profiling?

To cut DNA at specific sequences, generating fragments of varying lengths that can be separated and visualized.

Define a codon.

A three-base mRNA sequence that specifies a particular amino acid or stop signal during translation.

Define an anticodon.

A three-base sequence on a tRNA molecule that is complementary to an mRNA codon and ensures correct amino acid insertion.

Define an intron.

A non-coding DNA sequence within a gene that is removed from the pre-mRNA during RNA processing.

Define an exon.

A coding DNA sequence within a gene that remains in the mature mRNA and is expressed as protein.

Define a restriction enzyme.

A protein that recognizes specific nucleotide sequences and cuts both strands of DNA at or near those sites.

What key reference resources are provided to guide the gel electrophoresis procedure?

A LibreTexts gel electrophoresis lab manual link and a YouTube tutorial video.