MadSci Network: Molecular Biology
Query:

Re: What equipment do I need to make a DNA Fingerprint

Date: Fri Dec 15 13:53:13 2006
Posted By: Dale L. Laux, Staff, Serology/DNA, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification
Area of science: Molecular Biology
ID: 1163227243.Mb
Message:

Dear Shivalika,

You have set very high goals.  I've thought quite a lot about your 
question and unfortunately, I have to tell you that it would be nearly 
impossible for you to obtain a profile, even using the equipment at a 
university lab; at least not how we do it in a crime laboratory.  The 
equipment and reagents that we use to obtain a profile (13 loci) are 
hundreds of thousands of dollars and the analysts train for a year.  It's 
not quite as simple as it appears on TV.

Rather than leave you discouraged, I browsed the internet and found some 
sites that have projects that are more attainable.  An excellant project 
can be found at  http://www.accessexcellence.org/AE/AEC/AEF/1995/mayo_dna.html.
 Another 
excellant project that I've recommended to students can be found at: http://www.biology.arizona.edu/human_bio/activities/blackett2/overview.html

These are ways to study and explain DNA without the tremendous cost of 
reagents and equipment.  

If you are determined to obtain a DNA profile from an envelope, perhaps 
you can contact the South Carolina State Crime Laboratory and check to see 
whether they would accept a student as an intern or show you how samples 
are analyzed.  

I hope this helps and good luck with your project.

Sincerely,

Dale L. Laux
Forensic Scientist 




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