DNA+Fingerprinting+WG

DNA fingerprinting (p.459) 1.What process makes copies of a specific DNA sequence? PCR (polymerase chain reaction). 2.How much DNA is required at the start for this process to work at amplifying (copying) this target sequence? The targeted sequence can be less than one part in a million of the total DNA sample. 3.Why would this process be useful in analyzing the DNA in mummified human brains? Because so little DNA is required for PCR to be effective. It has even been possible to sequence DNA taken from mummified human brains. 4.How can the repeat DNA sequences in a human DNA sample be detected? It can be detected by using fingerprinting. 5.How do organisms differ with respect to the repeats? They differ by how many repeats they have at a particular location. 6.Which process can separate amplified (copied) DNA based on its size? Its called Gel Electrophoresis. 7.What type of pattern is produced? Fragments can be separated according to their charge/ size ratios, and the result is a pattern of distinctive bands. 8.As the number of repeats increases in a human DNA segment, what will happen to the size of that segment? The size of the segment will increase as well. 9. When comparing band patterns to identify the human individual that was the source of the DNA is called? DNA fingerprinting. 10. Why do individuals have unique DNA fingerprints? The reason we all have different fingerprints is because we all have different DNA. Just how it’s impossible for anyone to have the exact same DNA, its impossible for people to have the same fingerprints. 11. Describe FOUR of the uses of DNA fingerprinting. It can be used to detect a viral infection, genetic disorders, or present cancer in a person. The last use is for identifying a suspected rapist. 12. DNA Fingerprinting and the Criminal Justice System (p.464) 13. Would you be willing to provide your DNA for a national DNA databank? Why or Why not? Yes, because I think it serves a good cause, and will keep us safer from criminals. 14. What type of privacy restrictions would you want on your DNA, if in a databank? I would want my DNA to have extra protection and never be opened unless it’s a very serious situation where I need it for proof, or evidence. 15. If not everyone, do you think convicted felons, at least, should be required to provide DNA for a databank? Why or why not? Yes, I think every human being should have DNA for a databank so it would be easier to find those felons and criminals. 16. Should all defendants have access to DNA fingerprinting to prove they didn't do a crime? Why or Why not? No there are many things that they could do with the DNA its to risky to let a defendant handle such an important thing. Highly skilled and people should handle the DNA. 17. Should this include those already convicted of crimes that want to reopen their cases using new DNA evidence? Yes, it should be opened for that type of situation; it should always be accessible for cases.