Subject Case Study

Topic     DNA Extraction Case Study

Type      Coursework

Level     High School

Style      APA

Sources                3

Language             English(U.S.)

Description

HML 4303 Assessment 2.1

Section 1: DNA Extraction Case Study

 

Several researchers are isolating DNA from identical human tissue samples. Each researcher should be getting 200пЃ­g of pure DNA, but each researcher is getting different quantity and quality for their DNA samples. OD260 is used to quantitate DNA; OD280for protein quantitation.

Table 1 shows their results:

Researcher         Volume of DNA isolated (mls)    OD260 Reading of

Undiluted DNA OD260/OD280

A             5              0.6          1.4

B             8              0.5          1.8

C             20           0.2          1.2

D             5.7          0.35        1.8

 

1. Which researcher(s) obtained the highest yield?

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2. Which researcher(s) obtained the most pure sample?

 

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3. Which researcher(s) produced the most contaminated sample? Briefly explain the reasons for your choice.

 

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4. What do you think the major contaminant is? Briefly explain your reasoning.

 

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5. Low yield and/or high contamination are typically common problems during DNA purification. Name two factors that can result in low yield and state how they reduce yield mistake.

 

 

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6. Another two different researchers also purify DNA and obtains good but moderately pure yield. Researcher #1 purifies DNA that is stable in storage but unable to be purified by PCR or cut by restriction enzyme. Researcher #2 purifies DNA that degrades within hours, even during storage.

 

Name a possible contaminant in Researcher #1’s DNA sample; and a likely contaminant in Researcher# 2’s DNA sample.

 

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