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Project Summary
| Difficulty | 9 – 10 |
| Time required | Long (a couple of weeks) to Very Long (several weeks to months) |
| Prerequisites | Access to a research laboratory with PCR equipment is required for this project. |
| Material Availability | Kit available for purchase online from Bio-Rad, catalog #166-2100EDU |
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Sponsor
| Sponsored by generous grants from Bio-Rad and its Biotechnology Explorer program |
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| Inspiring minds want to know. Unravel the mysteries of biotech |
| explorer.bio-rad.com |
| * Note: This is an abbreviated project idea, without notes to start your background research or a procedure for how to do the experiment. You can identify abbreviated project ideas by the asterisk at the end of the title. If you want a project idea with full instructions, please pick one without an asterisk. |
Abstract
Are you interested in the technical and ethical aspects of genetic screening, forensic science, and DNA fingerprinting? Scientists use different forms of a gene, called alleles, to differentiate between two fingerprints. One such sequence used in human DNA fingerprinting is the Alu repeat (a 300 base pair repetitive sequence of DNA) on chromosome� 16. During evolutionary time, up to 1� million copies of the Alu repeat have become randomly inserted throughout the human genome. Within a specific region on chromosome� 16 called PV92, some of us carry an Alu repeat and some of us do not. Such small variations among individuals' genotypes are inherited. These variations are the raw material for natural selection and evolution. These subtle variations in our DNA also provide evidence about our ancestry and form the basis of personal identification via DNA fingerprinting. You can investigate these alleles in your family with the PV92 PCR Informatics Kit (Catalog #166-2100EDU) from the Bio-Rad Biotechnology Explorer Program. Which alleles are present in your family? Can you test a larger group of people and study population genetics? Do the alleles differ according to ancestry? You can extend this kit by using primers for other alleles. How does this change the fingerprint? Do you think the quality and unique identity of the fingerprint will improve as more specific alleles are used? Remember that most science fairs require Scientific Review Board approval for experiments that involve human subjects. (Bio-Rad, 2006)Bibliography
Bio-Rad, 2006. "Biotechnology Explorer Program," Bio-Rad Laboratories [accessed 3/25/06] http://explorer.bio-rad.com.Materials and Equipment
Note: Bio-Rad Kits are sold directly to schools. To purchase, please have your school contact Bio-Rad at 800-424-6723 to verify account information and to place the order for you. Existing accounts will have orders processed within a day, and establishing an account will take approximately 48 hours.Variations
- For more science project ideas in this area of science, see Biotechnology Project Ideas.
Last edit date: 2009-01-05 12:00:00
Career Focus
If you like this project, you might enjoy exploring careers in Biotechnology.
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Biochemist Growing, aging, digesting—all of these are examples of chemical processes performed by living organisms. Biochemists study how these types of chemical actions happen in cells and tissues, and monitor what effects new substances, like food additives and medicines, have on living organisms. |
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Agricultural Technician As the world's population grows larger, it is important to improve the quality and yield of food crops and animal food sources. Agricultural technicians work in the forefront of this very important research area by helping scientists conduct novel experiments. If you would like to combine technology with the desire to see things grow, then read further to learn more about this exciting career. | |
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Biological Technician What do the sequencing of the human genome, the annual production of millions of units of life-saving vaccines, and the creation of new drought-tolerant rice varieties have in common? They were all accomplished through the hard work of biological technicians. Scientists may come up with the overarching plans, but the day-to-day labor behind biotech advances is often the work of skilled biological technicians. | |||
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