The student performed a DNA fingerprinting lab to analyze DNA samples from suspects and a victim's DNA sample to identify a suspect. The student extracted DNA from samples, separated the DNA strands of different sizes using electrophoresis, and compared the separated DNA strands to the victim's sample, finding that suspect 3's DNA matched the victim's DNA. The lab was an interactive learning experience that used electrophoresis to separate DNA strands by size, with larger strands traveling shorter distances than smaller strands during the process.

1. Ivan J. Garcia<br />804-10-2844<br />RISE Program<br />DNA Fingerprinting:<br />The DNA fingerprinting lab was sort of an investigation scene fingerprinting. We had our DNA samples and a ladder (which was the victims DNA). It was our job to extract all the different DNA samples, and insert them into the electrophoresis gel. After this we had to perform the electrophoresis DNA separation. The ladder that was inserted had different bands which showed different sizes of DNA strands. Once the different samples of DNA were separated on the gel after a session of electrophoresis (from 30-90 minutes), we could compare the sample DNA (ladder) with the suspects. We found that suspect 3, in my gel, had the same DNA found in the ladder, and this was discovered because they had the same DNA strand sizes.<br />The electrophoresis works by generating an electrical current that carries negatively charged particles over the agarose gel. The bigger DNA strands do not travel as much as the smaller strands. For that reason the bigger strands are at the top and the smaller ones travel down. The DNA extraction was done by a lysing process after a series of hot bathes and centrifuges to get a pool of organelles and DNA. Overall this lab was very good and enjoyable as well as interactive and a great learning experience. <br />