The Sophomore Biology class is learning about DNA and Genetics. They created a DNA fingerprint using Lambda DNA. Lambda is a bacteriophage (virus) that affects bacteria. Bacteria have enzymes that cut the DNA at certain segments so that the virus does not affect the bacteria negatively. Almost like scissors cutting a ribbon in different lengths. In the picture above, the first lane was the control no enzymes so the DNA clumps together. The 2nd well is an enzyme from E. Coli that cuts of the DNA in certain sections. The 3rd well is an enzyme from H. Influenzae that cuts the DNA in certain sections. The way the enzyme cuts the DNA is how we today insert genes into DNA like making Round Up ready corn.
They used a devise called an electrophoresis apparatus to separate the DNA. DNA is negatively charged so when the devise is turned on, the DNA is pulled to the other end depending on how long the segments are. They made the gel from agarose is a form of gelatin. Everyone has a unique DNA fingerprint that separate us to identify us.