Biotechnology+(Last+Assignment)+HW6+MC

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? Since 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? Organisms differ by how many repeats they gave at particular locations. 6. Which process can separate amplified (copied) DNA based on its size? Gel Electrophoresis 7. What type of pattern is produced? 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 that segment will increase also. 9. When comparing band patterns to identify the human individual that was the source of the DNA is called? If two DNA patterns match, there is a high probability that the DNA came from the same source. It is customary to test for the number of repeats at several locations to further define the source. The process is called gel electrophoresis. 10. Why do individuals have unique DNA fingerprints? Because they can be compared with certain fossils 11. Describe FOUR of the uses of DNA fingerprinting. Fingerprinting DNA from a single sperm is enough to identify a suspected rapist. DNA fingerprinted from blood or tissues at a crime scene has been successfully used in convicting criminals. DNA fingerprinting is used to identify the remains of bodies. When DNA matches that of a virus or mutated gene, it is known that a viral infection, genetic disorder, or cancer is present. It was extremely used in indentifying victims of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the United States. DNA Fingerprinting and the Criminal Justice System (p.464) 12. Would you be willing to provide your DNA for a national DNA databank? Why or Why not? No, because first off I haven’t committed a crime and I haven’t been offered to, and last but not least because this would constitute an unreasonable search, which is unconstitutional. 13. What type of privacy restrictions would you want on your DNA, if in a databank? The only thing that I would want is for the databank to ask for my permission first before they use my DNA for any little thing, unless they already have the right to use it for something. 14. If not everyone, do you think convicted felons, at least, should be required to provide DNA for a databank? Why or why not? Yes, because their fingerprints can help lead to other crimes or felonies that they might have committed and also for security reasons. It can be used as evidence against or for the person. It can help decide whether you will spend the rest of your life or a few years in prison or be free. 15. Should all defendants have access to DNA fingerprinting to prove they didn't do a crime? Why or Why not? Yes, because the defendant can save himself/herself by saying that the police “planted” the persons blood, and could make the jury think twice before making a verdict. 16. Should this include those already convicted of crimes who want to reopen their cases using new DNA evidence? No, I think once you’ve had your chance to prove yourself innocent, then the case is closed, as when the judge slams down the hammer or his gavel. It wouldn’t be fair because everyone isn’t able to reopen their cases, and serving jail time is a really important subject.