A-Level Biology Specification

AQA 7402

Section 8.4.3: Genetic fingerprinting

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#8.4.3.1

An organism’s genome contains many variable number tandem repeats (VNTRs). The probability of two individuals having the same VNTRs is very low.

#8.4.3.2

The technique of genetic fingerprinting in analysing DNA fragments that have been cloned by PCR, and its use in determining genetic relationships and in determining the genetic variability within a population.

#8.4.3.3

The use of genetic fingerprinting in the fields of forensic science, medical diagnosis, animal and plant breeding.

#8.4.3.4

Students should be able to:

- explain the biological principles that underpin genetic fingerprinting techniques
- interpret data showing the results of gel electrophoresis to separate DNA fragments
- explain why scientists might use genetic fingerprinting in the fields of forensic science, medical diagnosis, animal and plant breeding.