(855) 4-ESSAYS

Type a new keyword(s) and press Enter to search

DNA Fingerprinting - Polymerase Chain Reaction

            Analysing DNA from samples of body fluids or body tissue in order to identify individuals is referred to as DNA fingerprinting. This technique is used to compare the nucleotide sequences of fragments of DNA from different sources. DNA fingerprinting is often used to provide evidence in criminal investigations. These "fingerprints" are not visible to a naked eye or even to a scanning electron microscope and cannot be altered once left at a crime scene. Therefore it has been argued that DNA fingerprinting is the greatest forensic tool in the history of forensic science. DNA fingerprinting has been applied in different criminal law cases, paternity tests and to detect certain genetic diseases. The two methods used to analyse DNA are Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).
             The amount of a sample needed to test the DNA is a distinguishing factor between RFLP and PCR. RFLP is effective when there is a sufficiently large sample of DNA while PCR works even with a very small amount of DNA (as little as 1ng)! PCR is therefore easier for investigators to collect DNA for because an individual or a criminal will not notice if they lost a drop of blood or hair. It is for this reason that DNA fingerprinting is considered to be one of the greatest tools in forensic sciences. PCR has proved to be very useful in criminal investigations since it was first discovered.
             Invented in 1983 by Kary B. Mullis, the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) allowed scientists to make millions of copies of a specific sample of DNA. This technique is used for many different purposes including the detection of the AIDS virus in human cells, the diagnosis of genetic defects and enabling criminologists to link a specific person to samples of hair or blood through DNA comparison. PCR is a very straightforward procedure to perform consisting of three main steps: denaturation, annealing and elongation.


Essays Related to DNA Fingerprinting - Polymerase Chain Reaction

1. DNA Fingerprinting

DNA Fingerprinting: Guilty or Innocent? ... With such great odds, DNA can be tested to find the genetic fingerprint of a person. ... One genetic test, the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), uses speed and precision to make a DNA fingerprint. ... This procedure, called "amplification," which uses DNA polymerase to create exact copies of fragment of DNA in a test tube at very high rates, reaches a result in several hours ("DNA Identification" 4). ... Many experts say DNA fingerprinting precisely identifies a criminal. ...

  • Word Count: 1919
  • Approx Pages: 8
  • Has Bibliography
  • Grade Level: High School

2. Microsatellites In DNA

To obtain DNA and run the polymerase chain reaction one must first obtain DNA. ... The 25 microliters redimix is now added and the polymerase chain reaction takes place. ... The use of the polymerase chain reaction can determine the vast number of certain gene sequences. ... The polymerize chain reaction and electrophoresis is used to detect these gene sequences. ... These microsatellites can also be used for genetic fingerprinting because they are as unique as a persons DNA. ...

  • Word Count: 1018
  • Approx Pages: 4
  • Has Bibliography
  • Grade Level: High School

3. DNA Big Topics

1-2% Chapter 17: Foci: PCR, and cancer: PCR: Polymerase Chain Reaction (pp. 533-534) A method to rapidly (in a few hours) amplify selected DNA segments that are present only in small amounts in a sample (less than 1 µg of DNA; the amount in a small drop of blood) (e.g. a few skin cells) Billions of copies can be made of a particular DNA sequence, producing enough genetic material for DNA fingerprinting (note: DNA fingerprinting can be used with as little as 1 µg DNA; see pp. 502-503.) ... Simplicity: a DNA polymerase Required: 1) DNA sequence with a known base sequence...

  • Word Count: 876
  • Approx Pages: 4
  • Grade Level: High School

4. DNA Mysteries And Miracles

The Cavendish team, (having been embarrassed in April 1951 by Pauling beating them to the discovery of the structure of keratin), were determined not to let it happen again (A Twist of Fate, The Chain of Events). It was the following May that Watson attended Wilkins" lecture on X-ray crystallography that led him to believe the secret was in the structure of DNA (The Chain of Events). ... In May of 1952, Rosalind Franklin stumbled upon what later proved to be a very important discovery; by increasing the humidity in her lab apparatus, she found that DNA could assume two forms (DNA Watson, A T...

  • Word Count: 2807
  • Approx Pages: 11

5. Experiment - Genetically Modified Foods

Detection of the difference between normal food and food containing GMOs can be done through a method called polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which can synthesize million of copies of a specific DNA sequence in a simple reaction with the proper primers(2). ... To set up for the PCR reactions, a Master Mix (MM), which contains DNA Primers, DNA Polymerase, Complementary base pairs, and a buffer, is required. ... There are 6 reactions in total. ... PCR is capable of synthesizing million of copies of a specific DNA sequence in a simple, rapid, automated reaction for further applications. ... It is...

  • Word Count: 1122
  • Approx Pages: 4
  • Has Bibliography
  • Grade Level: High School

6. the application of enzymes

Enzymes are produced by living systems to accelerate and sustain the myriad of chemical reactions necessary to sustain life. More than 3000 enzymes catalysing a wide array of reactions are known to exist. ... PCR (polymerase chain reaction) is a "test tube" production line for churning out large numbers of identical copies of a molecule of double stranded DNA. ... It can be used to copy DNA from bloodstains and semen samples in cases of assault and rape. It can be used to copy DNA from a single hair found at the scene of a crime so that a genetic fingerprint can be made that may lead to the id...

  • Word Count: 1120
  • Approx Pages: 4
  • Grade Level: Undergraduate

Got a writing question? Ask our professional writer!
Submit My Question