miniPCR bio™ Electrophoresis Forensics Lab. Wrongfully Convicted? Instructor's and Student's Guide
Version: 1.1 - Release February 2022 - © 2022 by miniPCR bio™
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Instructor's Guide
At a glance
Planning your time
-
J.M. was convicted of a crime and is currently incarcerated, but he has always maintained his innocence.
Use molecular techniques to determine if J.M. was wrongfully convicted.
This lab offers students an introduction to forensic DNA analysis. Students will use gel electrophoresis
to analyze DNA samples from a closed case to see if the new DNA evidence supports the original
conviction.
TECHNIQUES
Micropipetting
Gel electrophoresis
TOPICS
Forensics
Genetics
Biotechnology
LEVEL
Middle school
through
Advanced high school
WHAT YOU NEED
Micropipettes
Gel electrophoresis
and visualization
system
AP CONNECTION
AP Biology units
5.3, 5.6, 6.8, 7.4
Skills and Practices
1.A-1.C, 2.A-2.D, 3.C-3.E,
5.A, 6.A-6.E
Help your students achieve mastery of pipetting, PCR, and gel electrophoresis
with additional instructional videos, worksheets, and activities available at:
https://www.minipcr.com/tutorials/
Taking it further - extension activities, page 25
Explore population genetics and the statistical methods that forensic scientists use to
analyze DNA profiles.
Additional
Supports
-
* Allow an additional 25 minutes if students will be preparing the gels in class.
For answers to the lab study questions and extensions, email answers@minipcr.com. Please include the name of the lab, as
well as your name, school, and title in the body of the email.
Gel electrophoresis Interpret results
SINGLE CLASS PERIOD: 45 MINUTES* if gels are prepared in advance
