lambda DNA Fingerprinting Simulation

The purpose of this lab activity is to demonstrate (through simulation) how DNA fingerprinting (or DNA profiling) might be used to solve a crime. Learners perform restriction digests on DNA samples from four individuals, and then search for similarities between the individuals by running the restriction fragments on an electrophoresis gel. This activity does not do a true DNA fingerprint. It simulates two of the three steps of DNA fingerprinting: restriction of DNA sample and separation by electrophoresis. This activity does not make use of the third step, the radioactive probes. In order to make DNA fingerprinting affordable, lambda DNA is used instead of plasmids. This means that the instructor has to switch the labels on the samples given to the learners. What is labeled DNA is actually the different restriction enzymes and what is labeled restriction enzyme is the lambda DNA. Although there is some deception on the part of the instructor, learners are able to do a restriction digest that simulates a crime scene which adds interest for the learner.