The Case of the Crown Jewels
DNA Fingerprinting
Objectives
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Investigate restriction enzymes as “DNA scissors” and understand their use in
research and criminal justice.
Use restriction enzymes to cut DNA.
Perform the process of gel electrophoresis to differentiate DNA samples by size.
Learn how to analyze gels and use them to infer information about the cut DNA.
Classroom Time Requirements
Additional time for teacher preparation will be needed; see Pre-Lab Teacher Preparation.
Day 1: Preparing the DNA Samples - 45 minutes
Day 2-3: Agarose Gel Electrophoresis - 90 minutes
Materials Included in Kit
This kit includes materials for 30 students working in pairs.
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75
Microcentrifuge tubes
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10 grams Agarose powder
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1500 mL 5X TBE buffer
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1 bottle Methylene blue DNA stain
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15
Staining dishes
Redemption coupon for the following materials
 15 tubes
Crime scene DNA, containing 15 l
 15 tubes
Suspect 1 DNA, containing 15 l
 15 tubes
Suspect 2 DNA, containing 15 l
 15 tubes
EcoRI enzyme, containing 15 l
 15 tubes
Buffer, containing 25 l
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15 tubes Sterile water, containing 15 l
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15 tubes Loading dye, containing 25 l
Special Handling Instructions
Redeem coupon for perishable materials. Note: Send coupon 4-6 weeks before lab to
receive materials on time. Upon receipt place the materials in the freezer. Materials
needed but not included in kit:
For Prep and Storage
 Freezer
 3520 mL distilled water
 Graduated cylinder
For Lab
 Markers
 Microcentrifuge test tube rack
 p20, p200 micropipettes
 Micropipette tips
 Waste container
 Microcentrifuge
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 37 C incubator/water bath
 Floating rack
 30 test tubes for making agarose gel
 Containers to hold test tubes
 Spatula
 Electronic balances
 15, 10mL disposable pipettes
 Vortex (optional)
 Boiling water bath
Staining
 DNA stain
 Staining dishes
 Light box
Electrophoresis setup
 Casting deck and glass slide
 Comb
 Electrophoresis box
 Wires
 Power supply
Pre-Lab Teacher Preparation
Prepare 1X TBE Buffer
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Add 3520 mL distilled water to 880 mL of 5X TBE concentrate to obtain 4400
mL of 1X buffer.
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(Optional) Aliquot 550 mL of 1X TBE into 8 bottles for student stations.
Copyright © 2007 MassBioEd
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Lab Station Set-Up
Materials Needed Per Pair
Part 1
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Part 2
p20, p200
p20/p200 micropipette tips
Marker
4 microcentrifuge tubes
Microcentrifuge tube rack
Solid waste container
Crime scene DNA, 12 l
Suspect DNA, 12 l
EcoRI enzyme, 12 l
Buffer, 25 l
Water, 12 l
Equipment
 Microcentrifuges
0
 37 C incubator or water bath
 Floating rack
 Boiling water bath
 Timers (optional)
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Test tubes for making gel
Containers to hold test tubes
Spatula
10mL disposable pipettes
10 mL pipette pumps
1X TBE buffer (500 mL)
Loading Dye, 25 l
Electrophoresis Setup
 Casting deck & casting tray
 Comb
 Electrophoresis box
 Wires
 Power supply
Weighing stations
 Agarose powder
 Electronic balances
 Vortex (optional)
Staining
 DNA stain
 Staining dishes
Copyright © 2007 MassBioEd
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