DNA Fingerprinting

DNA Fingerprinting is a powerful analytical tool commonly used in medical and forensics labs to compare similarities and differences in two or more samples of DNA. In this experiment, you will have a DNA sample from a "crime scene", as well as from four suspects. After fragmenting the DNA with restriction enzymes which cut DNA at sequence specific sites, the resulting fragments are separated by size using agarose gel electrophoresis. Since the sequence each individual's DNA is unique, the resulting fragments and bands on the gel should be unique. If two DNA samples give the same banding pattern in a gel, then they are most likely from the same individual.

We will be using a kit developed by Bio-Rad Laboratories as a part of their Biotechnology Explorer Curriculum. Follow the link to the Student Manual. Print a copy of the manual to follow in the lab. Your completed copy of the manual will serve as your lab report.