Gel Electrophoresis
& DNA fingerprinting manual By: Leslie Echevarria
What is Gel Electrophoresis ? what is DNA fingerprinting ?
ELectrophoresis is an analytical method frequently used in molecular biology and medicine. It is applied to separation and characterization of proteins, nucleic acids and sub cellular- sized particles like viruses and small organelles. DNA fingerprinting is to test to identify and evaluate the genetic information. its called fingerprinting because it is unlikely that any two people would have the exactly same DNA information.
Step 1- A gel electrophoresis chamber and silica gel are prepared.
Step 2- Interpret or “read” the gel (DNA fingerprint) produced
Step 3- A DNA fingerprint is produced
Step 4- DNA samples that have been cut are placed into wells in the gel.
Step 5- DNA fragments move through the gel. The longer fragments move slower than the shorter fragments.
Step 6- Electrical current is turned on to the gel electrophoresis chamber.
Step 7- Restriction enzymes are used to cut DNA into different sized fragments.
DNA fingerprinting EX: #1
Since every child inherits their DNA fingerprint from their mother and their father, the fingerprint ends up being a mix of the two. It contains traces of the father’s DNA fingerprint and traces of the mother’s DNA fingerprint.
DNA Fingerprinting EX #2
DNA fingerprinting is very helpful when it comes to tracking down criminals. Since every person has a unique DNA fingerprint, it makes tracking down the criminal.