Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the fundamental unit of heredity?
What is the fundamental unit of heredity?
Who were the scientists that deduced the molecular structure of DNA?
Who were the scientists that deduced the molecular structure of DNA?
What are the components of a nucleotide?
What are the components of a nucleotide?
Which of the following bases is NOT associated with DNA structure?
Which of the following bases is NOT associated with DNA structure?
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When did the technology of DNA typing begin?
When did the technology of DNA typing begin?
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What role do restriction enzymes play in recombinant DNA technology?
What role do restriction enzymes play in recombinant DNA technology?
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What purpose does polymerase chain reaction (PCR) serve in forensic science?
What purpose does polymerase chain reaction (PCR) serve in forensic science?
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What is the next step after a portion of DNA is cut out using a restriction enzyme?
What is the next step after a portion of DNA is cut out using a restriction enzyme?
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Which statement best describes the function of DNA polymerases in DNA replication?
Which statement best describes the function of DNA polymerases in DNA replication?
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How does recombinant DNA technology benefit the production of substances like insulin?
How does recombinant DNA technology benefit the production of substances like insulin?
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Study Notes
DNA as a Forensic Tool
- DNA is unique to each individual, similar to fingerprints.
- It's the building block of genes, which control genetic traits.
- DNA's molecular structure was discovered by Francis Crick and James Watson.
- DNA typing was started by Alec Jeffreys in 1985.
DNA Structure
- DNA is a large molecule made of repeating units called nucleotides.
- A nucleotide contains a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.
- There are four bases: adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), and thymine (T).
DNA Replication
- DNA unwinds and separates into two strands.
- Enzymes, like DNA polymerases, help in this process.
- New strands are created using the existing strands as templates.
PCR & DNA Replication
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) replicates small DNA amounts, useful for crime scenes.
- PCR overcomes the limitations of sample size.
Recombinant DNA
- Restriction enzymes act like "scissors" that cut specific DNA sequences.
- Recombinant DNA technology inserts isolated DNA segments into foreign DNA.
- Bacteria are often used as hosts, replicating altered DNA.
STR Analysis
- Short tandem repeat (STR) analysis is a widely used DNA profiling technique.
- STRs are repetitive sequences found throughout the human genome.
- Analyzing a combination of STRs can achieve high discrimination and individualization.
- STR analysis requires as little as 125 picograms of DNA.
- Y-STR markers are useful for identifying multiple males in sexual assault cases.
Mitochondrial DNA (mDNA)
- mDNA is located outside the cell's nucleus and inherited from the mother.
- It is found in mitochondria, which provide energy.
- mDNA analysis is used for samples where STR analysis is not possible (e.g., hair).
- mDNA testing is more rigorous, time-consuming, and costly than nuclear DNA analysis.
- All individuals with the same maternal lineage have indistinguishable mDNA.
Disease and Disorder
- Current DNA profiling cannot determine if an individual carries a genetic defect.
- Recombinant DNA technology is used to produce insulin and growth hormone.
- Gene splicing enables bacteria to synthesize insulin.
- The Human Genome Project will reveal the role of evolution, gene locations, and aid in diagnosing and treating genetic diseases.
CODIS
- CODIS (Combined DNA Index System) is an FBI software program for DNA profiles.
- It contains databases of convicted offenders, crime scene evidence, and missing persons.
Packaging Biological Evidence
- Photograph and document evidence before collection.
- Wear disposable gloves when handling evidence.
- Collect clothing from victims and suspects with blood evidence.
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Description
This quiz explores the unique characteristics of DNA and its applications in forensic science. You'll learn about DNA's structure, replication process, and its role in crime scene investigations. Additionally, we’ll cover techniques like PCR and the significance of recombinant DNA in modern science.
