How does gel electrophoresis relate to DNA fingerprinting?
1 Answer
Gel electrophoresis is the process by which we take the DNA and run an electric charge through it, therefore we can use it to compare two DNA samples, hence the name DNA fingerprinting.
Explanation:
Gel electrophoresis is basically the process by which we take the DNA, and run an electric charge through it. The DNA, being negatively charged by default, will move towards the positive side. As this happens, he DNA with lower density will travel less distance up. This can create a very unique pattern of DNA.
Now you can do this to another sample of DNA, and match it up with the frequencies of the known sample. If they are the same, then they most likely came from the same source. This is called DNA fingerprinting. This is mostly used in crime investigation, where DNA found at crime scenes is compared to DNA from suspects.
Hope that helped :)
