DNA fingerprinting is the analysis of pieces of DNA in order to identify an
individual. DNA can be from almost any part of the body, such as hair, blood, or sweat. With the exception of identical twins, each person has different DNA. DNA fingerprinting, a concept discovered by Sir Alec Jeffreys, identifies genetic variations in each persons DNA. These genetic variations help make each persons DNA unique. The first step in Gel Electrophoresis is to make the agarose gel. To make the agarose gel, combine 0.46 (g) of agarose powder with 1.2 ml of the concentrated buffer and 58.8 ml of distilled water. The total volume should be 60 ml. The next step is to heat the mixture to dissolve the agarose gel. Once the liquid is clear it can be removed from the heat and cooled to 60 degrees Celsius. Once cooled, the gel solution should be poured into the gel bed. It should then be cooled until solid and stored in the refrigerator. When the DNA samples are later loaded into the gel, the gel should be placed into the electrophoresis box with the wells towards the negative end. The buffer solution should then be poured to fill up the box. Finally, place the lid on the box and turn it on. In class, our lab differed from real DNA fingerprinting because we used fake DNA. We also changed the amounts of agarose powder and buffer, as well as diluted the buffer so we wouldnt have to add any water. We also loaded the DNA into the wells before placing it into the box because it was easier. The advantages of doing this lab this way was that we avoided using real DNA, which is expensive. This process was much easier and the DNA we used was dyed to make it much easier to see. Also, we avoided the use of radioactive probes, which is a part of the real gel electrophoresis process. The disadvantages to doing this lab in this manner were that the DNA was not real. We didnt get to experience the actual electrophoresis process. Also, actual electrophoresis needs full DNA and the results are not always clear. Scientists have recently been able to completely alter DNA to prevent mutations and flaws from occurring. This new knowledge could eradicate certain genetic diseases such as Down syndrome. The technique, know as Crispr, works by using an RNA guide molecule that can be programmed to match any unique DNA sequence in the human genome. The molecule is attached to a special enzyme that can cut both strands of the double helix. Once finished, the copied DNA is inserted into the double helix and the defective DNA is deleted.