Name: Lee Arthur Date:
Student Exploration: DNA Fingerprint Analysis
INQ: /20 COM: /5
Vocabulary: codon, DNA, DNA fingerprint, genotype, identical twins, nitrogenous base,
phenotype, trait
Gizmo Warm-up
Most of an organism’s traits, or
characteristics, are coded for by DNA. Traits
are determined by a unique sequence of
nitrogenous bases in the DNA molecule.
Except for identical twins, the order of every
individual’s nitrogenous bases is unique.
Scientists use this fact when studying DNA
fingerprints— patterns of bands made from
analyzing a strand of DNA. In the DNA
Fingerprint Analysis Gizmo™, you will analyze
DNA fingerprints of frogs.
1. Select the POPULATION tab. What are the three main traits that vary between the frogs?
The frog’s skin colour, eye colour, and presence of spots. [1 INQ]
2. Which frog would you expect to have the most similar DNA to frog A? Why? I would
expect Frog I to have the most similar DNA because just like frog A, it
possesses yellow skin, pink eyes and spots. [1 INQ]
Activity A: Get the Gizmo ready:
Identical twins • Select the FIND THE TWINS tab.
Question: How are DNA fingerprints used to analyze relationships?
1. Observe: Look at the three frogs on the TWINS tab. How does their appearance compare?
They all have yellow skin, pink eyes, and spots. [1 INQ]
2. Predict: What do you expect the DNA fingerprints of the three frogs to look like?
, Based off of their identical physical appearance, I would expect their DNA
fingerprints to all look the same.
[1 INQ]
Student Exploration: DNA Fingerprint Analysis
INQ: /20 COM: /5
Vocabulary: codon, DNA, DNA fingerprint, genotype, identical twins, nitrogenous base,
phenotype, trait
Gizmo Warm-up
Most of an organism’s traits, or
characteristics, are coded for by DNA. Traits
are determined by a unique sequence of
nitrogenous bases in the DNA molecule.
Except for identical twins, the order of every
individual’s nitrogenous bases is unique.
Scientists use this fact when studying DNA
fingerprints— patterns of bands made from
analyzing a strand of DNA. In the DNA
Fingerprint Analysis Gizmo™, you will analyze
DNA fingerprints of frogs.
1. Select the POPULATION tab. What are the three main traits that vary between the frogs?
The frog’s skin colour, eye colour, and presence of spots. [1 INQ]
2. Which frog would you expect to have the most similar DNA to frog A? Why? I would
expect Frog I to have the most similar DNA because just like frog A, it
possesses yellow skin, pink eyes and spots. [1 INQ]
Activity A: Get the Gizmo ready:
Identical twins • Select the FIND THE TWINS tab.
Question: How are DNA fingerprints used to analyze relationships?
1. Observe: Look at the three frogs on the TWINS tab. How does their appearance compare?
They all have yellow skin, pink eyes, and spots. [1 INQ]
2. Predict: What do you expect the DNA fingerprints of the three frogs to look like?
, Based off of their identical physical appearance, I would expect their DNA
fingerprints to all look the same.
[1 INQ]
