Activity 1.2.3: Gel Electrophoresis
Objective: To be able to read a Gel and understand it's purpose
Above is a gel of Anna Garcia's DNA. It is also known as a "DNA fingerprint" and can be compared to others to see if they have the same DNA. It breaks DNA into smaller pieces in specific locations.
Structure of DNA
The structure of DNA is illustrated by a right handed double helix, with about 10 nucleotide pairs per helical turn. Each spiral strand, composed of a sugar phosphate backbone and attached bases, is connected to a complementary strand by hydrogen bonding (non- covalent) between paired bases, adenine (A) with thymine (T) and guanine (G) with cytosine (C).
Adenine and thymine are connected by two hydrogen bonds (non-covalent) while guanine and cytosine are connected by three.
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Specific Monomers
The monomer of DNA is a nucleotide. Nucleotides, made of a sugar, phosphate group, and nitrogen base, are the building blocks of DNA.
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Self Reflection
The Gel Electrophoresis lab has taught me how to read DNA and how to match it to others based on the patterns created based on where the DNA stands. Due to this lab, I was able to successfully put together the Gel Electrophoresis and match the DNA based on it's accurate "fingerprints." Therefore, I was able to conclude that this DNA belonged to Anna Garcia herself, and rule out all other suspects.
I also learned that this shows the genetic make up of an individual, as well as being able to identify them.
The Gel Electrophoresis lab has taught me how to read DNA and how to match it to others based on the patterns created based on where the DNA stands. Due to this lab, I was able to successfully put together the Gel Electrophoresis and match the DNA based on it's accurate "fingerprints." Therefore, I was able to conclude that this DNA belonged to Anna Garcia herself, and rule out all other suspects.
I also learned that this shows the genetic make up of an individual, as well as being able to identify them.
Strengths
I had a good understanding of how to match the suspects with my finished Gel Electrophoresis. This was easy for me.
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Weaknesses
I struggled in the beginning when it came to actually putting the Gel Electrophoresis together, but after a few tries I began to understand what went where and why.
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