Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 37m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 6m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

18. Biotechnology

DNA Fingerprinting

General Biology

18. Biotechnology

DNA Fingerprinting

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1:51 minutes

Problem 1

Textbook Question

Imagine you have found a small quantity of DNA. Fill in the following diagram, which outlines a series of DNA technology experiments you could perform to study this DNA.
<IMAGE>
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: To amplify the DNA, use the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). PCR is a technique that allows for the rapid and specific amplification of DNA sequences. This step corresponds to (a) in the diagram.

Step 2: Treat the DNA sample and bacterial plasmids with restriction enzymes. Restriction enzymes cut DNA at specific sequences, creating fragments with sticky or blunt ends. This step corresponds to (b) in the diagram.

Step 3: Sort the DNA fragments by size using gel electrophoresis. Gel electrophoresis separates DNA fragments based on their size by applying an electric field to a gel matrix. Smaller fragments move faster through the gel. This step corresponds to (c) in the diagram.

Step 4: Add a DNA probe to highlight a particular DNA sequence. A DNA probe is a labeled single-stranded DNA molecule that binds to its complementary sequence, allowing for visualization of specific DNA fragments. This step corresponds to (d) in the diagram.

Step 5: Insert recombinant plasmids into bacteria and allow them to replicate via bacterial transformation. Bacteria will copy the recombinant plasmids as they divide, creating multiple copies of the DNA. This step corresponds to (e) in the diagram.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

DNA Extraction

DNA extraction is the process of isolating DNA from cells or tissues. This is a crucial first step in any DNA analysis, as it allows researchers to obtain a pure sample for further experimentation. Techniques such as using detergents to break down cell membranes and alcohol to precipitate DNA are commonly employed in this process.

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is a technique used to amplify specific segments of DNA, making millions of copies of a particular sequence. This is essential when working with small quantities of DNA, as it allows for sufficient material to conduct various analyses. PCR involves repeated cycles of denaturation, annealing, and extension, utilizing DNA polymerase enzymes.

Gel Electrophoresis

Gel electrophoresis is a method used to separate DNA fragments based on their size. By applying an electric current to a gel matrix, smaller fragments move faster than larger ones, allowing for visualization and analysis of the DNA. This technique is often used after PCR to assess the success of amplification and to analyze genetic variations.

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Related Practice

Multiple Choice

Which of the following characteristics of short tandem repeats (STRs) makes it useful for DNA fingerprinting?

The gel below shows a region of STRs from a DNA sample taken from a crime scene. It also shows the same region of STRs from 4 suspects involved in the case. Which suspect' DNA was found at the crime scene?

Genetic profiles are used to determine whether Sam could be the father of Becky's baby. Sam is not the father if __________ genetic profile shows some bands not present in __________ genetic profile.

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Multiple Choice

Genetic profiles used as evidence in a murder trial look something like supermarket bar codes. The pattern of bars in a genetic profile shows __________.

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Textbook Question

The DNA profiles used as evidence in a murder trial look something like supermarket bar codes. The pattern of bars in a DNA profile shows

a. The order of bases in a particular gene.

b. The presence of various-sized fragments of DNA.

c. The presence of dominant or recessive alleles for particular traits.

d. The order of genes along particular chromosomes.

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Textbook Question

A paleontologist has recovered a bit of tissue from the 400-year-old preserved skin of an extinct dodo (a bird). To compare a specific region of the DNA from a sample with DNA from living birds, which of the following would be most useful for increasing the amount of dodo DNA available for testing?

a. SNP analysis

b. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)

c. Electroporation

d. Gel electrophoresis

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Textbook Question

Why does DNA profiling rely on comparing specific genetic markers rather than the entire genome?

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Textbook Question

A friend who works in a research lab performed a GWAS and discovered a tight association between a SNP allele and the disease she is studying. She concluded that the SNP allele must be the mutation that causes the disease. Explain why she is likely to be wrong.