home

=__ Introduction to DNA: __ =

//DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid is the substance that carries an organisms genetic information. It's nucleic acid molecule takes the form of a twisted double helix who's main components consist mainly of chromosones which carries genetic information. DNA reproduces by means of hereditary characteristics which pass down from generation to generation.All biological samples contain DNA. DNA is a "blueprint" for making an entire person. It contains all information that makes us unique individuals. Each one of the trillion cells in our body contain DNA. DNA is found within the nucleus of our cells. //

=__ Parts of DNA: __ =

 **A DNA molecule is a long, twisting chain known as a double helix which seems pretty complex, but it's really made of only four nucleotides:** > > > =__ How does DNA help solve a crime? __ = DNA can be used to help construct what forensic scientists call a "DNA profile". Each one is unique, except for those of identical twins. Because each one is different, DNA can be taken from suspects and profiles can be constructed allowing them to be compared and if there is a match to a profile constructed from DNA on a crime scene, the Forensic Scientists have found their criminal. =__ Finding DNA: __ =
 * **__Adenine__** - Adenine is one of the nucleotides which is paired with Thymine to form one side of the of the "ladder" of the DNA Double Helix.
 * __**Cytosine**__ - The other pair in the DNA base pair of Guanine and Cytosine forming other side of the ladder of the DNA Double Helix.
 * **__Guanine__** - Other pair in the base pair (G-C) forming a rung in the double helix ladder.
 * __**Thymine**__ - Paired with Adenine, it forms the opposite rung from the (G-C) pair.

//Biological samples can be taken from bones, hair, saliva, and skin cells, since each of which contains DNA.Since DNA is unique to each and every person (except for identical twins) DNA can be used to link people to crimes and prove people innocent. The 4 steps to processing DNA include: //

__**Extract: **__ Retrieving the DNA out of our cells so Scientists can work on and with it,  DNA is trapped within the cell's nucleus, so in order to extract the cell's DNA molecule, the membrane and nucleus must be exploded. This is done through placing a swab of some biological sample which can include bones, hair, saliva, and skin cells into a solution known as lysis which will allow for easy access to the microscopic DNA molecules by bursting both the nucleus and membrane.

__**Amplify **__ Increase the amount of DNA in a sample. Polymerase Chain Reaction, also known as PCR, acts as a copy machine for DNA molecules and makes millions of copies due to the molecules microscopic size which will allow for a better view of DNA thus making it easier to work on.

<span style="color: #000080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Sort the DNA fragments by size. <span style="color: #000080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> Now with the millions of copies of DNA samples, they must be sorted by their size, through a gel like substance in which they will be pushed through. Naturally, smaller fragments will move through the gel faster, and the largest, slower, and the time that it takes for each fragment to pass through the gel is recorded through a laser.
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">__Separate:__ **

__**<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Analyze: **__
<span style="color: #808000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Examine the different sized fragments and construct DNA profiles. <span style="color: #808000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> The recorded times are placed onto a computer where each fragment can be recorded to construct a DNA profile which helps both tie criminals to crimes, and prove innocence in those suspected.

=<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">What can you find in our Wiki? = =Slide= =<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Wordles = =<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Glog = =<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">Pirate Pad = = = = = =<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">__ By: Warda, Sarah, Mercy and Thao. __ = =<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif;">:) =