L7 DNA Typing and Profiling

What is DNA made of?

DNA is made of nucleotides: A, T, G, C.

What does DNA form?

DNA forms a double helix structure and is used to code for amino acids.

What is a genome?

A genome is the total amount of DNA in a cell.

Why are DNA samples extremely accurate and useful for identification?

DNA fingerprinting is highly accurate as only identical twins can have the same DNA. 99.9% of DNA is similar among humans, with a difference of only 0.01%.

Where can DNA be retrieved from for evidence?

DNA can be retrieved from various samples such as hair, bodily fluids, skin cells, etc.

What are the two DNA patterns used in DNA typing and profiling?

Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).

What is RFLP in DNA typing?

RFLP refers to the process of DNA cutting.

What does PCR do in DNA typing?

PCR uses nucleotides and DNA polymerase to rapidly multiply copies of the cut DNA fragments.

What are the steps of DNA fingerprinting?

1. DNA Cutting using restriction enzymes. 2. Polymerase Chain Reaction to amplify DNA. 3. Gel Electrophoresis to separate DNA by size.

How does gel electrophoresis work?

DNA is separated based on size using its negatively-charged attribute, with larger fragments moving slower and further from the positive pole.