DNA Analysis

Step one of making a DNA fingerprint

• Obtain the DNA

• Extract and Isolate the DNA

• PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)

Step two of making a DNA fingerprint

• PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)

• Obtain the DNA

• Extract and Isolate the DNA

Cells are first extracted from biological evidence and are then disrupted (centrifuged) in order to release the DNA from proteins and other cell components. Once released, DNA can be extracted from the nucleus of the cell.

• PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)

• Obtain the DNA

• Extract and Isolate the DNA

Step three of making a DNA fingerprint

• Extract and Isolate the DNA

• PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)

• Use Restriction Enzymes

Step four of making a DNA fingerprint

• PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)

• Use Restriction Enzymes

• Gel Electrophoresis

Step five of making a DNA fingerprint

• Gel Electrophoresis

• Use Restriction Enzymes

• Analyze DNA

After the DNA is cut into specific fragments, it is loaded into agarose gel chambers through which electronic currents are passed. The DNA fragments will then line up in bands along the length of each gel.

• Use Restriction Enzymes

• Gel Electrophoresis

• Analyze DNA

Step six of making a DNA fingerprint

• Use Restriction Enzymes

• Gel Electrophoresis

• Analyze DNA

Stage one of PCR

• Denaturation

• Primer Annealing

• Elongation by DNA Polymerase

Stage two of PCR

• Elongation by DNA Polymerase

• Primer Annealing

• Denaturation