DNA Analysis Techniques and Terminology

A laboratory technique used to determine the probable identity of an organism based on the nucleotide sequences of certain regions of DNA that are unique to individuals.

• Non-coding DNA
• DNA Ladder
• DNA Fingerprinting
• Migration

Regions of a genome that do not code for proteins. Science used to think this DNA was just junk, but we are now learning the important purposes of non-coding regions of DNA.

• Band
• Gene
• Non-coding DNA
• DNA Ladder

A protein that cuts DNA at specific sequences.

• Migration
• Genome
• Non-coding DNA
• Restriction enzyme

Short Tandem Repeats. These are short repeating sequences of DNA that exist in non-coding regions of the genome.

• Agarose
• Wells
• STR's
• Lane

A laboratory technique used to separate DNA, RNA or protein molecules based on their size and electrical charge. This technique allows us to visually analyze the size differences of the molecules in the samples.

• Restriction enzyme
• Genome
• Wells
• Gel Electrophoresis

A sequence of DNA that codes for a protein. There are about 22,000 known genes in the human genome.

• Genome
• Lane
• Gene
• Band

An organism's full set of DNA. There are 3 billion base pairs of DNA in the human genome.

• Agarose
• Lane
• Gene
• Genome

A solution with charged, weak acids and bases that maintains a consistent pH. The charged atoms in the buffer conduct electricity through the gel.

• Band
• Gene
• Buffer
• Lane

Where molecules in electrophoresis travel to the opposite side of the gel in a straight line.

• Genome
• Lane
• Gene
• Band

A powder used to make a gel. It is purified from kelp (a type of seaweed).

• Genome
• STR's
• Gene
• Agarose