FORENSICS How does DNA fingerprinting work?

? o Sample --> extraction --> amplification --> reading of fluorescent tags --> sequencing of tags Is all DNA analyzed to obtain a DNA fingerprint? o No, only certain parts of the DNA are amplified, specifically VNTRs, sequence of DNA that does not code for anything they are just a set of repeating sequences. How are VNTRs used to make a DNA match? o Even if they are insignificant to our living, the number of times VNTRs are repeated, or its length is highly variable from one person to another which makes it a useful tool in finding a DNA match. What are applications of DNA fingerprinting other than in forensics? o Paternal test, analysis of an ancient DNA in paleontology, classification of specie taxonomy, and identification of the presence of an organism in an ecology. Is the technology being used in the Philippines? Cite an actual case of its use. o Proving that Ray de Vila was innocent. What are some of the issues regarding DNA fingerprint as criminal evidence? Does the pattern identify the individual? o It provides too much information and faults in the body of the person might be used against him. Yes, the pattern identify the individual.

HUMAN GENOME PROJECT (HGP) When was the HGP initiated and completed? Who were the proponents? o 1990 2003; National Human Genome Project Research Institute Why is it important to know the sequence of the human genome? o For improved diagnosis of a disease especially genetic diseases and identification of the sequence that would treat it. Also to be able to trace the evolution and migration of humans through the ages. How are gene linkage maps and physical maps of the genome made? o Linkage maps: made by tracing the inheritance of traits Illustrate the order of genes on a chromosome and the relative distances between those genes. o Physical maps: done by cutting up the DNA into smaller pieces and assembling overlapping sequences Give the physical DNA base-pair distances What are the uses of the technique called chromosome walking? o Cloning What issues attend the HGP? o Privacy and confidentially of people with DNA samples, reproductive issues. What is the patent controversy related to the HGP?

o The effort involved in locating, characterizing, and determining the role genes play elevate the discovery of their sequences to the status of an invention, not merely a discovery. How can these issues be resolved? o --

MEDICINE AND HEALTH/PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS What methods based on DNA technology are used for detecting infectious diseases, such as AIDS, tuberculosis, Lyme disease, and human papilloma virus infection? o PCR and qPCRnucleic acid sequence of the pathogen is used to construct olives to swiftly and effeiciently detect the specific pathogen. How is DNA analysis used to detect genetic diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, Duchennes muscular dystrophy, and Huntingtons disease? o DNA sample --> mutated strip of DNA as probe --> binding = mutation exists How can certain forms of cancer and diabetes be identified through DNA technology by genetic analysis? o DNA analysis could show the presence of mutations in the DNA sequence, or if a person is missing certain functions in the body. What is the mechanism by which gene therapy is used to treat certain forms of cancer? o [1] to enhance the ability of healthy cells in fighting cancer o [2] to kill or prevent further growth for cancer cells

replacing mutated genes with healthy genes introducing special genes that destroy cancer cells How does deficiency in a certain protein contribute to ill health? How is DNA technology adapted to the biochemistry of these proteins? o These deficiencies could lead to problems such as diabetes [insulin], dwarfism [growth hormone], and impaired blood clotting [Factor VIII]. Missing protein could now be replaced by proteins manufactured through biotechnology recombinant DNA are cloned. What are examples of human protein replacements? What therapies for genetic diseases are now available? o Insulin, growth hormone, Factor VIII, bone marrow transplant. What are some biochemical problems encountered in producing pharmaceutical products by DNA technology? How can these dilemmas be circumvented? o Human body alteration might occur by making different combinations of DNA from different organisms [plant, animal, human] and imposes some health hazards. AGRICULTURE AND FOOD What are the advantages of using DNA technology in agriculture? o Maximization of production, healthier livestock, more resistant plants, and saving on energy and soil in the production of crops.

What are some methods for inserting DNA into plant cells or animal cells? o Gene gun, plasmid method, DNA microinjection. What specific resistance qualities have already been engineered in plants? Give some examples. o Hindering spoilage, improve its taste and quality, boost resistance to pests and herbicides, and faster growth and production of crops. What biotech foods are already in the market? o Flavr Savr tomatoes, and golden rice. What are some transgenic agricultural animals that have been bred to date? How is each different from its unaltered counterpart? o GloFish, and EnviroPigs. Why is the public, in general, not receptive to GMOs? o Fear of possible consequences: new toxins or allergens.

ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION How are DNA probes and PCR technology used for monitoring microorganisms in the environment (i.e. water quality tests)? o Microorganism sample --> PCR --> DNA probe method --> Detection: binding = present. How is DNA technology used to break the cycle of disease in nature (i.e. intervention in the life cycle of parasites)? o DNA sample --> restriction of cloning vector --> restriction of gene of interest into a non-functioning --> Re-assembly of DNA that will prevent the cycle of viral diseases.

What are applications of DNA technology in taxonomic classification? How is it used to establish that a particular organism is, for example, a separate or a new species? o DNA barcoding technology. If DNA sequence doesnt originally exist in the Library of DNA barcodes, it might be a new specie. How is DNA technology used in the field of molecular paleontology? What is the value of recovering DNA from fossilized specimens? o Fossils --> extraction of mitochondrial or chloroplast DNA --> PCR --> bootstrap method How was DNA technology used to trace the movements of the human population from its African birthplace? o DNA samples from all over the world --> comparison of mitochondrial and Y chromosome for mutations --> tracing of patterns and differences --> mapping of human ancestry. o It could be traced back to Africa What issues attend the cloning of extinct animals? o Cloning of extinct animals could disrupt the natural ecological systems we have now. o They could introduce new harm: toxin, disease, or allergen.