Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Is dna fingerprinting with the help of restriction enzymes an accurate way to solve three different types of crimes?

In my project, I'm supposed to be using gel electrophoresis. I don't have the time or money anymore to go to a lab and get all the materials and stuff because my project is due in a month. I saw a video that science buddies posted on youtube about using nine volt batteries and food coloring to perform gel electrophoresis. I'm supposed to be using real DNA and restriction enzymes, which weren't used in this video. How can I use this inexpensive gel electrophoresis way with real dna and restriction enzymes?

Here's the video: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=QWkfXjGohVk

I think using real DNA will work the same way as the dye. I did gel electrophoresis labs in high school A.P. biology, and the lab materials and set-up we used are almost identical to the ones in the video. Just make sure to use a stain if you do the experiment with DNA so that you can see the bands separate out.
(See the last bullet on this page: https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... eityourown)

I highly recommend checking out this virtual lab: http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/labs/gel/

What is the purpose of the use of restriction enzyme(s) in your experiment?
Each different restriction enzyme will cut a DNA chain each time it finds a pattern match so you are going to end up with multiple segments, some of which will end in the pattern and others won't. I'm not sure how this is going to help with identification.

Hi Superscientist,

I just noticed your post and it sounds like you are doing this really great project on the Science Buddies website.

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... p028.shtml

However, since you don’t have all of the materials ready to go and your project is due very soon , I recommend that you switch to project that will take less time Here is

a DNA project that is challenging, but might be suitable if you are good with computer projects:

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... ml#summary

Otherwise, go to “Science Fair Project Ideas,” at the top of this page and then select”help me find a project.” and enter the due date for your project. You will get list of projects that you can complete before the due date. This might be a better strategy for this year, and you can save the DNA project for next year.

If you have any questions, or if you are still planning to do the DNA project, please post again on this topic.

Donna Hardy