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How Many CATS? A DNA Profiling Simulation
In this paper simulation, developed by participants in the Cornell Institute for Biology Teachers (CIBT), students use DNA profiling techniques to determine the paternity of a child whose mother had been raped. Using simple equipment and materials, students “cut” DNA samples from a mother, a baby, a husband, and a rape suspect, using a restriction endonuclease. They then “run” the DNA fragments on a “gel” to simulate the process of electrophoresis, wash a fluorescent "probe" over the gel, and analyze the gel to identify the father of the baby. During the simulation—which reinforces basic concepts such as base pairing in DNA—students also grapple with analytical questions and ethical issues. Materials include technical background on DNA profiling and templates for the DNA probes and the DNA samples from the various players in the case study. The teachers' section provides answers to the many questions raised by the simulation.
DNA Classroom Activity
This activity, which includes all templates, requires minimal teacher preparation. It needs one class period to perform the simulation and another to discuss results.
Media: PDFProgram Director: Jeff J. Doyle, Ph.D.
Award Years: 1989, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006
Summary: Cornell University is a private research institution in Ithaca, New York. Its HHMI-funded initiatives include:
- A summer research scholars program for Cornell students and underrepresented minority undergraduates from other institutions;
- The Cornell Teacher Education Partnership (with the Cornell Education Department) to prepare science teachers still in training to provide meaningful science experiences for their future students; and
- The Cornell Institute for Biology Teachers, which offers summer institutes for K-12 teachers on molecular biology, genetics and other important topics and works with program participants to develop a variety of classroom resources made available on the Web.