Download SPMS Unit 3.1 DNA Profiling File

Forensic Science Unit 3.1: DNA Profiling
My learning objectives:
(12) The student analyzes deoxyribonucleic acid laboratory procedures in forensic science. The student is expected to:
(A) diagram the deoxyribonucleic acid molecule, including nitrogen bases, sugars, and phosphate groups;
(B) explain base pairing of adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine as they relate to deoxyribonucleic acid fingerprinting;
(C) extract deoxyribonucleic acid from food such as peas and strawberries;
(D) explain the polymerase chain reaction laboratory procedure for forensic deoxyribonucleic acid typing; and
(E) collect and package deoxyribonucleic acid from a simulated crime scene.
(3) The student uses critical thinking, scientific reasoning, and problem solving to make informed decisions within and
outside the classroom. The student is expected to:
(F) research and describe the history of science and contributions of scientists.
(4) The student explores the history, legal responsibilities, and career options for forensic science. The student is
expected to:
(E) recognize the major contributors to the development of forensic science; and
(F) illustrate the history of forensic science.
Objectives for the Unit
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Conceptual
Write the full name of the DNA molecule
Describe the structure of a DNA molecule as proposed by Watson and
Crick in 1953.
Compare the DNA sequences found in
a. Two unrelated individuals
b. Two related individuals.
c. Identical twins.
Compare and contrast nuclear DNA with mitochondrial DNA(mtDNA) in
regards to:
a. Quantity within the cell
b. Inheritance from the parents c.
Durability
d. Role of each in identification of persons
Discuss the relationship between DNA and chromosomes.
Discuss the relationship between genes and chromosomes.
Describe what is meant by the term human genome. Include:
a. Number of genes
b. Location of the genes
What is the function of a gene?
Distinguish between an allele and a gene.
Compare and contrast an intron and an exon.
a. Which one codes for a protein or function?
b. Describe the forensic significance of each.
c. Which one is more numerous within the human genome?
Discuss karyotypes.
a. What is a karyotype?
b. How are chromosomes arranged in a karyotype?
c. How is the sex of a subject determined by viewing his or her karyotype?
Summarize the process for extracting DNA from cells.
Compare and contrast mitochondria DNA (mtDNA) to nuclear DNA
a. Location
b. Source
c. Function
Explain why mtDNA is inherited only from the mother.
Discuss the advantage of using mtDNA instead of nuclear DNA in an attempt to
identify the remains of an individual. What is the disadvantage?
Explain how the gender of a child is determined by the father.
Discuss how paternal inheritance can be traced using the Y chromosome.
List four different sources of DNA that can be collected from a suspect.
Summarize how to properly collect and package DNA evidence.
Classify nuclear DNA and mtDNA as individual, familial, or class evidence.
Cite evidence to support your claim.
Describe the importance of a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to DNA
profiling.
Support the statement that CODIS and technology have significantly improved the
ability to solve crimes with DNA evidence.
Include in your answer:
a. What is CODIS?
b. Whose DNA is entered into CODIS?
c. How do state laws influence whose DNA is entered into CODIS?
d. How has CODIS helped to identify repeat offenders?
e. How has CODIS improved communications between investigators?
List questions that would be asked of a DNA analysis expert in court about how DNA
evidence was handled and analyzed to ensure evidence reliability.
Briefly describe how gel electrophoresis is used to separate DNA.
Given a picture of a DNA fingerprint, to be able to identify
a. The largest band.
b. The smallest band.
State the role of each of the following items in Gel Electrophoresis:
a. Gel
e. Power Source
b. Wells
f. Restriction Enzymes
c. Positive Electrode
g. Plastic combs
d. Negative Electrode
h. Gel Box
Explain the role of the standard DNA in gel electrophoresis.
Interpret a DNA profile produced by gel electrophoresis and determine if the
crime-scene DNA is consistent with the DNA of a suspect
Compare and contrast DNA fingerprinting to regular fingerprinting:
a. What do they have in common?
b. Describe how they differ?
c. How are they each used in forensics?
Elaborate on STRs used in DNA analysis.
a. STR is an abbreviation for which words?
b. Where do you find STRs?
c. How many bases are usually found within an STR?
d. List several examples of STRs.
e. If two people have different forms of the same STR (different alleles why
is there no phenotypic difference between the persons?)
Distinguish between the terms homozygous and heterozygous STR genotypes.
Given the STR profiles of the crime-scene DNA and suspect's DNA, be able to
include or exclude a suspect.
Describe how gene frequencies for different STRs are determined using
population databases.
Refer to Figure 7-8 "Steps in STR Typing." Using the image, describe how
DNA STR alleles are separated by size and color by this automated device.
Given the individual allele frequencies for different STR alleles used in a DNA
profile, explain how to calculate the odds that another person could have the
same DNA combinations.
Describe the role ofY-STR analysis and how it is used to identify a paternal
line of inheritance.
Argue why Y-STR analysis is not considered to be a form of individual
identification.
Debate the issue of entering arrestee DNA into CODIS (as opposed to
only entering convicted felons). Is this a way to solve more crimes, or is
it a violation of one's civil liberties?
Explain how DNA profiling is used to determine if specimens come from related
or unrelated individuals.
Apply your knowledge of DNA profiling to determine the paternity of a child
using the DNA profiles of the child, mother, and potential father.
Summarize how the skeletal remains of the Romanovs were identified using
STR analysis and mtDNA.
Using the STR profiles of the Tsar and Tsarina of Russia and the STR profile of
Anna Anderson, determine if Anna Anderson was or was not their daughter,
Anastasia.
Laboratory
STR analysis of Anastasia
DNA Gel electrophoresis comparison