Electrophoresis Forensics Lab- Wrongfully Convicted?
J.M. was convicted of attempted
homicide and is currently serving a life sentence. J.M. has always
maintained his innocence, and after years of appeals, the court has
approved his request for DNA analysis of the evidence from his case. In
this lab students will use gel electrophoresis to examine newly
collected DNA evidence from J.M.’s case. Will the DNA evidence prove that J.M. was
wrongly convicted, or will it only implicate him further? This lab
demonstrates the power that DNA analysis brings to forensic
investigations. An optional extension allows students to explore
population genetics and the statistical analysis forensic scientists use
to evaluate the strength of DNA evidence.
- Techniques: Micropipetting, gel electrophoresis
- Topics: Forensics, genetics, biotechnology
- Time required: Can be completed in one 45-minute class periods
- Level: General high school through advanced high school
he miniPCR Electrophoresis Forensics Lab kit contains reagents for 8 lab groups of up to 4 students each (32 students):
- Victim DNA sample
- J.M. DNA sample
- DNA Evidence 1
- DNA Evidence 2
- DNA molecular weight marker (Fast DNA Ladder 1)
Note: Reagents are compatible with blueGel™ or other standard DNA electrophoresis systems
Supplied by user:
The Learning Lab Companion Kit
(catalog no. KT-1510-01) contains all the consumables (except water)
needed for 8 lab groups. These reagents and consumables can also be
sourced independently.
- Reagents and consumables supplied by user:
-
- Agarose (electrophoresis grade)
- DNA stain (e.g., GelGreen™)
- Gel electrophoresis buffer (e.g., 1X TBE)
- Distilled or deionized H2O (to dilute buffer concentrate – not included in Lab Companion Kit)
- Microtubes
-
- Micropipettes and tips
- Gel electrophoresis and fluorescence visualization system
Storage notes:
- Reagents require freezer storage
- Reagents are stable for 12 months when stored in the freezer
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