Learn how a genetic fingerprint is made using agarose gel, Southern blotting, and a radioactive DNA probe
Learn about how DNA is extracted, treated with restriction enzymes, and sequenced using gel electrophoresis to create a genetic fingerprint.
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Transcript
NARRATOR: Obtaining a genetic fingerprint begins with a sample of biological tissue. At Guy's Hospital, in London, this research worker is using an automatic DNA extractor to produce a high-purity DNA fraction from a blood sample.
A restriction enzyme is added to the DNA. This enzyme moves along the DNA strand, cutting it at the so-called restriction sites. The restriction sites available to enzymes are located throughout the chromosome except in sections consisting of copies of the core sequence. This process produces many pieces of DNA, which consist of repeats of the core sequence.
The mixture of these DNA fragments is then placed onto an agarose gel.
A small voltage is applied across the gel, and fragments move through the gel at a rate proportional to their size. Because gels are difficult to handle, the DNA band pattern on the gel is transferred to a nylon membrane by technique known as Southern blotting.
First, the nylon membrane is placed on the agarose gel. Then, absorbent paper is layered on top of the membrane. It acts as a wick, drawing up the DNA bands onto the membrane, where they stick.
Finally, the researcher adds a radioactive DNA probe, which will bind specifically to the core sequence. Excess DNA probe is washed off, leaving only the radioactive probe that has bound to the DNA pattern on the membrane.
This can be shown on X-ray film, producing the genetic fingerprint.
A restriction enzyme is added to the DNA. This enzyme moves along the DNA strand, cutting it at the so-called restriction sites. The restriction sites available to enzymes are located throughout the chromosome except in sections consisting of copies of the core sequence. This process produces many pieces of DNA, which consist of repeats of the core sequence.
The mixture of these DNA fragments is then placed onto an agarose gel.
A small voltage is applied across the gel, and fragments move through the gel at a rate proportional to their size. Because gels are difficult to handle, the DNA band pattern on the gel is transferred to a nylon membrane by technique known as Southern blotting.
First, the nylon membrane is placed on the agarose gel. Then, absorbent paper is layered on top of the membrane. It acts as a wick, drawing up the DNA bands onto the membrane, where they stick.
Finally, the researcher adds a radioactive DNA probe, which will bind specifically to the core sequence. Excess DNA probe is washed off, leaving only the radioactive probe that has bound to the DNA pattern on the membrane.
This can be shown on X-ray film, producing the genetic fingerprint.