A Simulation on using DNA Banding Patterns to access Relatedness

 

Marianne Niedzlek-Feaver

Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 2007, Volume 28

Abstract

A simulation that will generate fingerprints for a group of imaginary organisms whose relationships are unknown has been developed and can be accessed at http://www.ncsu.edu/project/interactivebiology/. Two scenarios are available. In the first, visitors to the web site are asked to determine if all individuals in a social group are relatives. In the other, visitors attempt to assess paternity where females mate multiply and fathers of the young may or may not be part of the group. Resource materials for the web site are being developed that will place students in the role of scientists attempting to use the DNA fingerprints to understand the biology of “Innorts “. For example, students will be able to access information that explains why the type of DNA targeted generates unique individual patterns. To prepare students to analyze the DNA fingerprints of the “Innorts”, they will be stepped through an analysis of the first DNA fingerprints used in a courtroom.

Keywords:  DNA fingerprinting

Purdue University (2006)