Multiple Choice
Gel electrophoresis separates fragments of DNA based on which characteristic?
17. Biotechnology
Gel Electrophoresis
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The parents of a new baby believe that the hospital sent them home with someone else's baby. The hospital takes DNA samples from both parents and the baby. The DNA is investigated using gel electrophoresis. Do the parents possess their biological child or did the hospital give them the wrong baby?
A
The parents have the correct baby, their DNA matches.
B
The parents have the wrong baby, their DNA does not match.
C
There is no way to tell using this gel.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that gel electrophoresis is a technique used to separate DNA fragments based on their size. Each band represents a DNA fragment of a specific size.
Examine the gel image provided. There are three lanes: one for the mother, one for the father, and one for the baby. Each lane contains bands that represent DNA fragments.
Compare the bands in the baby's lane with those in the mother's and father's lanes. A biological child should have a combination of bands from both parents.
Identify which bands in the baby's lane match with the mother's lane. These bands represent the DNA fragments inherited from the mother.
Identify which bands in the baby's lane match with the father's lane. These bands represent the DNA fragments inherited from the father. If the baby has bands that match both parents, the baby is likely their biological child.
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