Page 210 - Demo

Practical Applications of Chemistry
Forensics DNA Evidence, continued
A Case of Abduction—
DNA Identity Testing Simulation
By: William Humphries
Richardson H.S., Richardson, TX
A reality-based exploration into identity testing using mitochondrial DNA analysis. Your students play the role of investigators in an abduction case. The fascinating and highly educational simulation combines elements of history, human rights, family impact, forensic science, and genetics. In the course of their investigation, students will:
• “Digest” short, 60 base-pair sequences of mitochondrial DNA using Hae III restriction enzyme.
• Determine the sizes of the resulting “fragments” and use a standard curve to plot the migration distance for each fragment on a paper “gel”.
• Label the separated fragments with a “radioactive probe sequence”.
• Interpret the results to determine the true parentage of a child alleg-
edly abducted as an infant.
Includes extensive background information, objectives, reproducible student copy masters, detailed results, study and follow-up questions, glossary, and extension ideas. The activity is designed to be conducted by cooperative teams and can be completed in two class periods.
Dyeing for Forensics—
Super Value Laboratory Kit
By: The Flinn Staff
Hidden treasure is found in an old mansion and students are challenged to find the rightful owner. Along with the treasure are some personal mementos that will help solve the mystery. Six simulated DNA samples are analyzed using gel electrophoresis to determine which family described in the scenario is entitled to receive the mementos and money. This activity is a simulation of the type of analysis made using DNA fingerprinting with two special cases of relatedness testing—Y chromo- some and mitochondrial DNA testing—newer methods often used on old or degraded DNA. Since simulated DNA is used, the dyeing step is not necessary. Colorful bands are visible after the gel has run for 15–20 minutes, and results are read during the same lab period.
Complete for 20 gels. Requires electrophoresis apparatus and power supply.
Forensics Document Analysis
Document Analysis—
Forensic Investigation Laboratory Kit
By: The Flinn Staff
Analyzing documents is an important aspect of forensic science. When a document, such as a will or a check, is used in a crime, it is important to determine its authenticity. Was the document altered? Was it forged? Careful analysis of documents might reveal obvious erasures, abnormal signatures, changes in handwriting or use of different inks, pencils or papers. Your students will experience five investigative techniques as they collect evidence and establish standards for analyzing crime scene documents. They will have fun as they try to copy signatures, conduct microscopic examinations of different papers and pencil markings and perform chromatography tests on various ink samples. Their analyses will establish the level of authenticity of crime scene documents. Pencils, pens, paper samples, chromatography paper and necessary chemicals are provided as well as detailed student and instructor materials.
Complete for 30 students working in pairs.
Flinn Forensic Files—Ink Inspection
See page 202.
1-800-452-1261
flinnsci.com
208
Catalog No.
Description
Price/Each
FB0506
A Case of Abduction—DNA Identity Testing Simulation
$39.45
A Case of Abduction—DNA Identity Testing Simulation FB0506
Catalog No.
Description
Price/Each
FB2023
Dyeing for Forensics—Super Value Laboratory Kit
$68.35
Dyeing for Forensics—Super Value Laboratory Kit FB2023
Catalog No.
Description
Price/Each
AP1777
Document Analysis—
Forensic Investigation Laboratory Kit
$90.20
FORENSICS DOCUMENT ANALYSIS continued on next page.
Document Analysis—Forensic Investigation Laboratory Kit AP1777