DNA Electrophoresis

What is Gel Electrophoresis? • A technique that allows us to

compare DNA.

What is Gel Electrophoresis? • A technique that allows us to compare

DNA.

• Common uses you may be familiar with:– Identify a suspect in a

crime.– Paternity testing.

General Overview• DNA is obtained & amplified to make

enough sample to test (using PCR- see tomorrow).

General Overview• DNA is obtained & amplified to make

enough sample to test (using PCR- see tomorrow).

• DNA samples are cut by enzymes (chemical scissors that cut DNA at specific sequences

• Cut samples are ‘run’ on a gel and compared.

General Overview• DNA is obtained & amplified to make

enough sample to test (using PCR- see tomorrow).

• DNA samples are cut by enzymes (chemical scissors that cut DNA at specific sequences

• Cut samples are ‘run’ on a gel and compared.

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The Standard.• Known DNA fragments added to compare to unknown

lengths • These are measured in kilobases (kb)

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Using the Standard• Known fragments

of various sizes are run together with tests

• Allows size estimation of unknown fragments.

• Small sizes run faster

Comparing DNA• Suspect test:

Comparing DNA

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Comparing DNA• Paternity test:

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Using Mapping Plasmids