DNA Paternity Testing Electro- Phoresis Lab Activity

While over 99% of DNA is the same among all humans, the remaining part is unique to every individual (with the exception of identical twins). These differences are hereditary, with parts of the unique sequence coming from each parent. By using DNA fingerprinting, or DNA profiling, a childs paternal relationship can be tested by comparing the childs DNA profile to the profile of the mother and possible father to determine if an individual is the father or not. In this activity students will use electrophoresis to separate DNA samples of a child, mother, and two potential fathers to determine if either father is a possible paternal match. The kit contains enough materials for 8 groups of students and includes a Teachers Guide and Student Study Guide copymasters. Kit Includes: 200 mL Prepared Agarose 0.8% Solution 500 mL Tris Borate EDTA Buffer 5X 60 mL DNA Stain 10 microliters Mothers DNA Sample 10 microliters Childs DNA Sample 10 microliters Possible Father #1 DNA Sample 10 micorliters Possible Father #2 DNA Sample measurements: 9 L x 6 W x 4 H weight: 5 lbs