DNA Profiling Techniques and Applications
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Questions and Answers

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?

<p>To digest DNA into smaller, manageable fragments. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Southern blotting (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What commonly occurs during the hybridization stage of DNA profiling?

<p>Probes attach to complementary sequences in DNA. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Determining paternity relationships. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>It separates the DNA strands. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>To fluoresce the substrate where probes are bound. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characterizes hypervariable regions in DNA?

<p>They differ in number and length among individuals. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>PCR requires less DNA material to begin with. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do primers function within the PCR process?

<p>They act as flags that signal the start and end of the target DNA segment to be copied. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does alkaline phosphatase play in DNA profiling?

<p>It removes phosphate groups from nucleic acids. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>It produces a readout similar to a fingerprint that can uniquely identify individuals. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>PCR leads to a gradual loss of cloning efficiency with repeated cycles. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Temperature is lowered to 53°C. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Q-PCR provides real-time analysis of DNA amplification. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which scenario is DNA profiling NOT typically used?

<p>Determining an organism's phenotypic trait (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Their enzymes can function optimally at high temperatures. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is PCR considered a rapid method for DNA replication?

<p>It can produce millions of copies in about an hour with controlled cycles. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What are hypervariable regions?

Regions on DNA with repeating nucleotide sequences. The number and length of repeats differ between individuals.

What is a DNA profile?

A unique pattern of DNA fragments created using hypervariable regions, often referred to as a DNA fingerprint.

What are the main stages of DNA profiling?

A scientific technique used to create a DNA profile. It involves several steps: DNA extraction, digestion, separation, blotting, hybridization, and visualization.

What happens in the extraction and digestion stage of DNA profiling?

A solvent (e.g., phenol and chloroform) is used to isolate DNA from a sample. Restriction enzymes then cut the DNA into smaller fragments.

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How are DNA fragments separated and analyzed?

DNA fragments are separated based on size using gel electrophoresis. Smaller fragments move further through the gel.

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What is Southern blotting in DNA profiling?

DNA fragments are transferred from the gel to a nylon membrane. This ensures the fragments are immobilized for further analysis.

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What is hybridization in DNA profiling?

Single-stranded DNA probes, complementary to the hypervariable regions, are added to the membrane. These probes are labeled for visualization later.

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How is the DNA profile visualized?

A substrate is used to reveal the location of the probes on the membrane. This creates a visible pattern of DNA fragments, forming the DNA profile.

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What is the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)?

A technique used to amplify specific DNA sequences. It involves cycles of DNA separation, primer binding, and replication.

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What is the purpose of PCR in DNA profiling?

PCR allows scientists to create multiple copies of specific DNA segments, increasing the amount of DNA available for analysis.

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Core nucleotide sequences

Unique sequences of DNA nucleotides found in non-coding regions, within introns, which are highly variable between individuals.

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Why is DNA profiling called DNA fingerprinting?

DNA profiling is often called fingerprinting because it uses unique variations in DNA to identify individuals, just like fingerprints.

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What is the role of alkaline phosphatase in DNA profiling?

Alkaline phosphatase is an enzyme used in DNA profiling to help visualize the DNA fragments after they are separated during electrophoresis.

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What is PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)?

A laboratory technique used to create millions of copies of a specific DNA segment, allowing for analysis of small or degraded DNA samples.

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What are primers in PCR?

Short nucleotide sequences that act as 'start signals' for DNA replication in PCR, guiding the polymerase where to begin copying.

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What is thermostable DNA polymerase?

DNA polymerase obtained from heat-loving bacteria used in PCR to replicate DNA at high temperatures.

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What is quantitative PCR (Q-PCR)?

A method used in PCR to analyze the amount of DNA fragments produced during the reaction, allowing for precise quantitation of DNA.

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Explain the process of PCR.

A process where the two strands of DNA are separated by heating, primers are added, and the polymerase copies the DNA strands. This cycle is repeated many times.

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What is gel electrophoresis in DNA profiling?

A technique used to separate DNA fragments based on their size. Smaller fragments travel further through a gel, creating distinct patterns.

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What are some uses of DNA profiling?

DNA profiling can be used to identify individuals, determine paternity, diagnose diseases, and even trace evolutionary relationships.

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