This learn with fun activity focuses on the technology of DNA Fingerprinting that is most widely used in Forensics. Let's explore.....
Background:
To begin with, just as each individual has a unique fingerprint, so is his hereditary material !
DNA is a molecule which is composed of millions of nucleotide bases that are 99 percent similar in all organisms belonging to a particular species. This 1 percent is different which differentiates one individual from the other. DNA fingerprinting is also referred to as DNA profiling or identity testing. So to elaborate more on it, actually the DNA of different individuals is compared. It is concerned with the identical mini sequence that are characteristic to an individual and that is what is referred to as a fingerprint. The chance that two individuals posses an identical fingerprint is rare unless they are identical twins. Thus it is practiced to detect suspects in crime scene and in judicial matters in detection of paternity. The DNA is first extracted from an individual’s cells followed by cutting by1 means of molecular scissors which cuts the DNA into several small fragments. Gel electrophoresis is the process by means of which the varying DNA fragments arrange themselves according to their size. This is followed by transfer of DNA onto a nylon membrane to show the DNA strands. This nylon membrane is then exposed to small fragments of DNA that are labelled with radioactive probes which bind to their complementary DNA sequence in the sample. This is then visualized under x ray, to see a unique pattern of DNA referred to as a fingerprint. To compare two such fingerprints, two DNA samples are allowed to run side by side.
In this way, the use of DNA fingerprinting is indicated in routine life with the research on it still continues.
Participate in this free event to awaken the detective sleeping inside you!!
Open to all participants (all categories) registered at SALSI 2021.