Students use many of the basic skills they have acquired through the semester to do the crime scene lab. In this lab students work to solve a "crime" by comparing the DNA of 5 suspects to DNA found at the "crime scene." They use micro-pipettes to transfer samples, PCR to increase the amount of DNA samples, and run a gel to analyze the DNA. Once these procedures are completed, students are then able to identify the criminal! |
 Group one gets ready for lab. |
 Lab coats, goggles and gloves are worn in this lab! |
 Group "cool" is pipetting DNA samples for PCR. |
 Proper pipetting technique takes practice! |
 Group "zero" pipettes a DNA sample, visable as the blue liquid in the pipette. |
 A look at all the students pipetting DNA samples for PCR. |
 Group zero has their samples ready to go! |
 The DNA samples are put into the PCR machine, which amplifies the amount of DNA. This allows for the analysis of DNA using gel electrophoresis. It requires several hours to do, so lab will be restarted tomorrow. |
 Today DNA will be analyzed using gel electrophoresis. This apparatus will allow the DNA samples to migrate, which reflects a banding pattern that is unique for each individual. The results of each suspect's DNA banding can be compared to the crime scene sample, which should give us our criminal. |
 DNA samples are kept on ice until ready to be loaded into the gel. |
 The gel requires a TAE buffer as the liquid portion. |
 The buffer is combined with a substance made of seaweed called agarose. It causes the thickening of the gel. |
 The gel ingredients are heated to a boil, and then poured into the gel tray. |
 The outcome of the lab is displayed in the banding of the gel. |
After identifying the suspect, we feel confident that they will be incarcerated for life in the immediate future. |