Background
For this project we were given the case regarding the murder of a man named Carlton Comet, and tasked with finding his killer using forensic techniques as well as knowledge in genetics. We tested the evidence at the crime scene in multiple ways to find a main suspect, after we had chosen a main suspect, we were tasked with presenting our evidence and case to a panel of small judges to ask for an arrest warrant on charges of our choice.
Our Presentation
Content
- DNA Structure - DNA is built off of a sugar phosphate backbone and four nucleotides: Adenine, Thymine, Cytosine, and Guanine. These all come together to make the DNA form a double helix shape. In the double helix the nucleotides are held together by Hydrogen Bonds. The Nucleotides form a random sequence but Adenine will always connect with Thymine and Cytosine will always connect with Guanine.
- DNA Replication - The DNA is first unzipped from it's double helix form by the enzyme, Helicase. Once the bonds are separated, the DNA goes into the leading strand and the lagging strand, although which strand is which depends on the direction of the base, if the base is 5' to 3' then it is the leading stand and the lagging strand is 3' to 5'. After the DNA is separated, a primer comes along to read the DNA and start a path for the DNA polymerase. DNA polymerase copies the DNA by reading the nulceotides and placing the corresponding nucleotide as a copy, creating a new strand. In the lagging strand, because of the 3' to 5' direction the primase has more work to do because of the direction it needs to set multiple primers. When both strands are fully copied they break off from the original strands and the enzyme ligase comes to bond together the new strands and re-bond the old strands.
- DNA Mutations - A random occurrence causing a mistake or change in the DNA. This can cause a change in the amino acid produced for a protein, causing the wrong protein to be made, this can affect many things and result in serious health issues. However some mutations can be harmless, since DNA is copied so much it's impossible for there to be zero mutations.
- DNA Fingerprinting - The process in which DNA is taken from fingerprints and compared to other DNA in hopes of finding a match.
- Karyotype - Picture of an Organism's Chromosomes, can be used to identify chromosomal disorders.
- Pedigrees - A chart/ diagram showing and/or tracking a genetic trait or disease in a family tree, it also tracks who is alive and who is deceased.
- Allele - Version of a trait, how height could be tall or short, or hair color could be brown or blonde or black or red
- Dominant - Trait that appears in the genotype, this trait had a physical appearance and is more likely to be passed down.
- Recessive - Trait that is passed down, but not seen, in a heterozygus genotype, it is overpowered by the dominant trait.
- Genotype - Alleles that appear in an organism.
- Phenotype - How Alleles manifest in physical traits and appearances
- Chromosomal Disorders - Disorder caused by a missing or extra chromosome. Can cause physical deformities as well as mental instability.
- XXX Syndrome - This is a chromosomal disorder affecting only women caused by an extra X chromosome, People with this disorder tend to be taller than average, and exhibit flat feet and learning disabilities.
- XYY Syndrome - Also known as Jacob's Syndrome, this another chromosomal disorder characterized by an extra Y chromosome so it only appears in males, common physical symptoms of these disorders are being taller and having more acne than average, as well as a higher risk for a learning disability.
- Down Syndrome - This disorder is caused by an extra 21st chromosome and causes symptoms of short necks, slanted eyes, and learning disabilities.
- Huntington's Disease - Disease genetically inherited known to cause degeneration of the brain.
- Marfan's Syndrome - A disorder that affects the connective tissue on the bones, muscle and joints. Some symptoms of this disorder include, being taller than average, and long limbs as well as longer fingers.
- Achondroplastic Dwarfism - The most common kind of dwarfism.
- Ink Chromatography - Scientific process consisting of separating the pigments of pen ink by dipping them in a solution and waiting.
Reflection
In this project I did as much as possible being behind as I was absent for three days and missed a strong portion of the material. In this project I felt I was able to still collaborate well with my group despite having the handicap of missing material. I was able to work with my groupmates to catch myself up as much as necessary so I would be able to present. While working on the presentation I focused mainly on what I knew rather than the material I was unfamiliar with. I contributed a lot to the presentation despite not knowing some material. I was able to move forward and answer questions while presenting and was able to slow down and fully learn the material after the project was over. In this project however I felt like I could have done more to further my understanding and grasp the concepts better. I also regret not asking more questions to make sure I had the right ideas and understanding with the material.