MdBioLab - Laboratory Activities - Case of the Broken Beaker

Case of the Broken Beaker

Specifications

  • Skill Level: Advanced
  • Focus: Genetics, forensics
  • Time: 70 – 90 minutes
  • Restrictions: None

Key Words

DNA, electrophoresis, forensics, law enforcement, controls, UV, fragments, fingerprinting, profiling, crime scene investigation

Summary

Break in on the MdBioLab!

This morning the MdBioLab instructors returned to the truck only to find that someone had forced there way onboard the night before. Crime Scene Investigators have processed the scene and have retrieved a key piece of evidence. Inside the truck the investigators found a broken beaker with a trace of blood on it. DNA has been extracted from the blood and is ready for forensic analysis.

The police have rounded up four suspects who have each donated their DNA for analysis. The MdBioLab and police department need your students help to create a DNA profile for each suspect that will assist the D.A. in their prosecution of the case.


Activities and Objectives:

Upon completion of the Case of the Broken Beaker students will be able to:

Pre-Laboratory

  • explain how restriction enzymes are used to create unique genetic profiles
  • explain how gel electrophoresis can be used as a tool to visualize DNA products

Laboratory

  • create DNA profiles using the restriction enzyme HindIII and gel electrophoresis
  • differentiate between different crime scene suspects based on their DNA

Post-Laboratory

  • consider the validity of the DNA evidence

Additional Resources

Dolan DNA Learning Center
Explore animations and other information on restriction endonucleases. Addition information on genetic engineering if your feeling saucy.
http://www.dnalc.org/resources/animations/restriction.html

New England BioLabs
Restriction endonuclease overview from the suppliers themselves
http://www.neb.com/nebecomm/tech_reference/restriction_enzymes/overview.asp

Learn. Genetics.
Can DNA demand a verdict?
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/labs/gel/forensics/


Quickgrabs

Gel Electrophoresis Tools
Run a virtual gel electrophoresis. This site also has many resources.
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/labs/gel/

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