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DNA Fingerprinting

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DNA is the molecule that

carries all the information

necessary for life.

In animal and plant cells

DNA is found in the

nucleus. Here it is stored

as chromosomes.

It is the genes that

control how our cells

function and what

characteristics we have.

cytoplasm

cell

membrane

nucleus

Each chromosome carries

thousands of genes.

What is DNA?

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DNA summary

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As each person inherits a unique set of genes from their

parents (with the exception of identical twins), DNA

fingerprinting can be used to identify specific individuals.

DNA can be extracted from

any material that contains

cells including: blood, saliva,

semen, hair and flakes of skin.

DNA is broken into fragments

by enzymes and analysed

using gel electrophoresis.

DNA fingerprinting

DNA fingerprinting is a technique used to assist the

identification of an individual based on their DNA

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Producing a DNA fingerprint

Stage 1 – DNA is isolated and

extracted from a sample.

There are four stages in the production of a DNA fingerprint:

Stage 2 – Enzymes (restriction

enzymes) break up, or fragment,

the DNA. It is then put into a ‘well’.

Stage 3 – An electric current is

used to separate the fragments

of DNA in gel electrophoresis.

Stage 4 – A radioactive probe is

used to visualize the DNA.

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Making a DNA fingerprint

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Order the stages

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Evaluate: storing DNA fingerprints

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Examine DNA fingerprints

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Identify the murderer

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Genetic testing

The presence of a specific gene in an organism’s DNA can

be identified using genetic testing.

What is the purpose of genetic testing?

It is used to test whether an organism has a

normal gene, mutated gene and/or a genetic disorder.

It can map where genes are located on chromosomes.

This is a form of DNA

technology that uses

a gene probe to label

the target gene in a

sample of DNA.

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How is a genetic test carried out?

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Glossary

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Anagrams

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Multiple-choice quiz