Students in Mrs. Giovenco’s Advanced Placement Biology class performed a technique called DNA fingerprinting with the help of a kit from the Cornell University. This technique is used to compare similarities in human DNA in areas such paternity testing and crime scene investigations.
Students compared DNA from a mother, baby and two possible fathers to determine paternity of the child. Once isolated, the DNA was cut with restriction enzymes into fragments. The fragments were then pulled through a gel using an electric field to separate the DNA fragments based on size. The biological father was determined by matching banding patterns in the DNA that formed on the gel.
By doing this experiment, students gained experience in a technique commonly used in science labs, but not usually taught until college. Also, they were able to see how science can help solve issues of paternity and forensics.
