DNA Profiling Techniques and Applications

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What is the primary reason DNA profiling is often referred to as a DNA fingerprint?

It is a method primarily used for cloning DNA.

It shows distinct patterns from hypervariable regions. (correct)

It identifies individuals uniquely based on their entire genome.

It reveals similarities between related individuals' DNA.

During the separation and analysis stage of DNA profiling, which technique is used to sort DNA fragments?

Gel electrophoresis (correct)

Polymerase Chain Reaction

Gas chromatography

Mass spectrometry

Which component is NOT part of the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) process?

DNA probes (correct)

DNA polymerase

Nucleotides

Primers

What is the role of restriction endonucleases in the DNA profiling process?

To digest DNA into smaller, manageable fragments. Signup and view all the answers

Which step of DNA profiling involves transferring DNA fragments to a nylon membrane?

Southern blotting Signup and view all the answers

What commonly occurs during the hybridization stage of DNA profiling?

Probes attach to complementary sequences in DNA. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a use of DNA profiling in criminal investigations?

Determining paternity relationships. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does raising the temperature to 95°C have in PCR?

It separates the DNA strands. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of alkaline phosphatase in the visualization stage of DNA profiling?

To fluoresce the substrate where probes are bound. Signup and view all the answers

Which characterizes hypervariable regions in DNA?

They differ in number and length among individuals. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) over in vivo cloning?

PCR requires less DNA material to begin with. Signup and view all the answers

How do primers function within the PCR process?

They act as flags that signal the start and end of the target DNA segment to be copied. Signup and view all the answers

What role does alkaline phosphatase play in DNA profiling?

It removes phosphate groups from nucleic acids. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best explains why DNA profiling is often termed 'DNA fingerprinting'?

It produces a readout similar to a fingerprint that can uniquely identify individuals. Signup and view all the answers

What limitation is typically associated with PCR in terms of DNA cloning?

PCR leads to a gradual loss of cloning efficiency with repeated cycles. Signup and view all the answers

What temperature change occurs when adding primers in the PCR cycle?

Temperature is lowered to 53°C. Signup and view all the answers

How does quantitative PCR (Q-PCR) improve upon traditional PCR methods?

Q-PCR provides real-time analysis of DNA amplification. Signup and view all the answers

In which scenario is DNA profiling NOT typically used?

Determining an organism's phenotypic trait Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic of thermophilic bacteria makes them suitable for PCR procedures?

Their enzymes can function optimally at high temperatures. Signup and view all the answers

Why is PCR considered a rapid method for DNA replication?

It can produce millions of copies in about an hour with controlled cycles. Signup and view all the answers