Abstract: Gel electrophoresis is a method used to separate DNA fragments according to size. During our study we pondered on one particular question; whose blood was left at the crime scene in the AP biology classroom? Before carrying out our experiment we learned about the process of gel electrophoresis and the use restriction enzymes. After analyzing our results, we decided to reject our hypothesis because our experiment showed strong evidence against what we originally hypothesized.
Introduction: Gel electrophoresis is a process that is used to separate fragments of DNA based on size for analysis. This technique was invented by American geneticist, Oliver Smithies, in 1950 and was later finalized by Fred Sanger who won a Nobel Prize for his gel electrophoresis protocol in 1975.
…show more content…
Placed the four test tubes into foam microtube holder and placed in water bath to incubate at 37 degrees Celsius for 45 minutes.
Ms. Lovrien added 5 L of 10x loading solution to tubes labeled 1-4.
Placed samples in the refrigerator overnight.
After returning to class the next day, obtained a gel tray that contained 0.8% agarose with TAE buffer.
Removed that comb and tape.
Filled the gel box with TAE buffer until it covers the entire surface of the gel.
Placed gel tray in the electrophoresis gel box (comb at the negative end).
Obtained tubes containing a standard DNA marker, DNA from crime scene cut with enzyme 1, and DNA from crime scene cut with enzyme 2.
Loaded lanes 1-7 with our 30μl of each of our samples, using a fresh micropipette tip after each use.
Recorded which sample was in each lane.
Put lid on electrophoresis chamber and connected the leads to the correct power supply.
Turned on power and set voltage to 100 volts. Ms. Lovrien turned power off after a set amount of time (Checked to see if bubbles were rising from negative and positive wires).
Turned off power supply and removed