DNA Fingerprinting

Lindsay Meehan
12/10/2014
Pd. 4A

DNA fingerprinting is the analysis of pieces of DNA in order to identify an

individual. DNA can be from almost any part of the body, such as hair, blood, or
sweat. With the exception of identical twins, each person has different DNA. DNA
fingerprinting, a concept discovered by Sir Alec Jeffreys, identifies genetic variations
in each persons DNA. These genetic variations help make each persons DNA
unique.
The first step in Gel Electrophoresis is to make the agarose gel. To make the
agarose gel, combine 0.46 (g) of agarose powder with 1.2 ml of the concentrated
buffer and 58.8 ml of distilled water. The total volume should be 60 ml. The next
step is to heat the mixture to dissolve the agarose gel. Once the liquid is clear it can
be removed from the heat and cooled to 60 degrees Celsius. Once cooled, the gel
solution should be poured into the gel bed. It should then be cooled until solid and
stored in the refrigerator. When the DNA samples are later loaded into the gel, the
gel should be placed into the electrophoresis box with the wells towards the
negative end. The buffer solution should then be poured to fill up the box. Finally,
place the lid on the box and turn it on.
In class, our lab differed from real DNA fingerprinting because we used fake
DNA. We also changed the amounts of agarose powder and buffer, as well as diluted
the buffer so we wouldnt have to add any water. We also loaded the DNA into the
wells before placing it into the box because it was easier.
The advantages of doing this lab this way was that we avoided using real
DNA, which is expensive. This process was much easier and the DNA we used was
dyed to make it much easier to see. Also, we avoided the use of radioactive probes,
which is a part of the real gel electrophoresis process. The disadvantages to doing
this lab in this manner were that the DNA was not real. We didnt get to experience
the actual electrophoresis process. Also, actual electrophoresis needs full DNA and
the results are not always clear.
Scientists have recently been able to completely alter DNA to prevent
mutations and flaws from occurring. This new knowledge could eradicate certain
genetic diseases such as Down syndrome. The technique, know as Crispr, works by
using an RNA guide molecule that can be programmed to match any unique DNA
sequence in the human genome. The molecule is attached to a special enzyme that
can cut both strands of the double helix. Once finished, the copied DNA is inserted
into the double helix and the defective DNA is deleted.