DNA Applications: Paternity Testing-Part I

DNA may be small and it may seem complicated butpaternity test extraction processes may be
the mystery behind deoxyribonucleic acid is unfoldingsomewhat different than the process experiment
quickly (even as you read this article most likely). Anthat I am about to introduce to you but many of the
increased understanding of DNA also continues toprinciples are still the same.
generate ideas for real-life applications, many ofSome online content2 sponsored by the University of
which are fascinating forms of DNA testing.Utah shows you how you can extract the DNA from
How can something so small and composed ofdried peas. The great thing is that you can try this
seemingly obscure as deoxyribonucleic acid play afrom home. You can take a look at the content for
part in our lives? One answer is the paternity test.more info but I will show you a quick paraphrased
The Paternity Test: One Application for DNAprocess that can be followed as well:
A paternity test is accomplished by taking a sampling1) Open the Cell
of a child's DNA and a parent's DNA to exclude orThe online content says you can do this with some
include the possibility of parentage. Testing the DNAwater and a blender!
of a confirmed parent and a potential parent can helpSimply buy a bag of dried peas and blend them with
lab scientists determine paternity more quickly butwater.
the DNA of two parents is not required. Lab2) Open the Cell's Nucleus
scientists can often prove paternity by exclusionThe online content suggests that you use detergent
(100% accuracy) or by inclusion (99.9% accuracy).(of the liquid variety)
A paternity test may seem complicated but nowOpen the cell's nucleus. Simply mix the detergent with
that it's down to a science it's not quite the mysterythe pea mixture.
that it seems to have been in the past. I found a3) Separate the DNA from its Protective and
brief online explanation1 which led me to additionalArchitectural Proteins
questions, additional answers and the rest of thisThe online content suggests that you use a
article!tenderizer of meats or thejuice from a pineapple to
1) The Samplingseparate the proteins from the DNA sample.
First of all, there must be a sampling of DNA taken4) Separate the Floating Fats and Proteins from the
from a living specimen like you or me. However youFloating DNA
can't just reach in and grab a chunk of DNA like youThe online content suggests doing this by adding
would dig into a cracker barrel. Nope-it's a bit morealcohol to the pea liquid
complicated. The first step of DNA extraction is toDo not mix; the alcohol should create a top layer of
take a sample of blood or saliva. (You can easily getliquid over the pealiquid.
a sample of saliva by swabbing the inside of your5) Take a Look at Your DNA sample
cheek). This "swab sample" will provide a labSince the DNA will choose "to dwell" in the alcohol
professional with a DNA sample that is still mixed withand the fats andproteins will stay in the water, the
other molecules and chemical make-ups that youDNA should finally be visible at thispoint.
wouldn't need for the paternity test. So, you have toOf course, with human cells, the process might not
separate the DNA from those other substances. It'sbe so simple, but I think the example mentioned
like separating the crackers from several otherabove provides a good visualization of a process that
samples that are in the same barrel.is probably very similar.
2) The ExtractionTo learn more about the next steps in analyzing DNA
Okay. So how do the lab scientists extract DNAand to learn more about how DNA might be used in
from the rest of the substances floating around?a paternity test, please read part II of "DNA
This is where the fun begins and you don't evenApplications and the Paternity Test." (To locate the
have to be a lab professional to try your ownarticle simply "Google" the article title along with my
extraction process. Keep in mind however that the(the author's) name).