Name: ______________________
Date: _______________
DNA: The Indispensible Forensic Science Tool
In today’s activity you will view several websites and conduct several virtual
experiments in order to gain an understanding of genetics and the manner
in which DNA is used in forensic science. For each part of this activity
record your answers on a separate sheet of paper.
For the first four activities go to the website: www.prenhall.com/hsforensics
Click on Chapter 8 and choose the appropriate “Web-Extra” Activity.
1. Web Extra 8.2 Learn about the chromosomes present in our cells.
 Explain how chromosomes are copied for normal body cells and for
sex cells.
2. Web Extra 8.3 Learn about the structure of our genes.
 Explain where and how genes are located on chromosomes.
3. Web Extra 8.4 See how genes position themselves on a
chromosome pair.
 Explain how genes are expressed by chromosomes
4. Web Extra 8.5 See how genes define our genetic makeup.
 Explain the difference between homozygous and heterozygous
genotypes.
5. DNA extraction: Go to the following website and complete the
interactive DNA extraction process.
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/labs/extraction/
 For what purposes is DNA analyzed?
 Where is DNA extracted from?
 LIST and EXPLAIN the steps necessary to purify DNA from
cheek cells.
6. Creating a DNA fingerprint: Go to the following website:
www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/sheppard/analyze.html Read the
introduction and complete Parts 1, 2, and 3.
 LIST and DESCRIBE each step in creating a DNA fingerprint.
 Use your DNA fingerprint to identify the culprit.
Name: ______________________
Date: _______________
7. DNA Fingerprinting: Go to the following website:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aso/resources/guide/earthappenact3.html
Read the introduction and answer the questions.
 Complete the 3 questions listed under “instructions”