DNA Paternity Testing Simulation

DNA Paternity Testing Simulation

DNA Paternity Testing Simulation

We simulate how fingerprint DNA can be used to determine the genetic relationship between a child and a presumed father.

He will use the effect of a human DNA muscle electrophoresis, heredity and scientific skills to solve a hypothetical scenario.

Set for the whole class.

Before fingerprint DNA was discovered, the paternity test was based on blood type. This was because a person’s blood type is derived from his parents’ blood type. However, as many people have the same blood type, this test can be used to rule out potential biological parents but not to prove who they really are.

DNA analysis of fingerprints on the other hand can prove the degree of affinity with great certainty.

With this package, students will perform a simplified version of the DNA analysis process from fingerprints and determine the likelihood that the alleged father is the biological father. Generally 3-6 matching DNA probes are required to produce a 99.0% first degree affinity.

KIT includes:

Instruction manual

Ready-to-Load QuickStrip™ DNA samples (pre-cut DNA samples)

UltraSpec-Agarose™ (polymer agarose for gel preparation)

Concentrated electrophoresis buffer (50x)

Practice Gel Loading Solution

FlashBlue™ DNA Stain (for visualizing DNA bands)

Other accessories (loading solution, InstaStain™ Blue cards)

Storage: QuickStrip™ samples should be refrigerated; other materials can be stored at room temperature.

Required Equipment (materials needed but not included):

Horizontal gel electrophoresis system

DC power supply

Micropipettes (e.g., 5–50 μL)

Balance / scale

Beakers / flasks

Heating source (hot plate or microwave)

DNA visualization system (white light)

Deionized or distilled water

Laboratory preparation

1. TBE Buffer (Tris-Borate-EDTA)

• The kit provides 50x TBE Buffer (concentrated).

• For electrophoresis, it must be diluted to 1x.

• Preparation of 1x TBE (1 liter):

  • Mix 20 mL of 50x TBE with 980 mL of distilled/deionized water.

  • This yields 1 L of 1x TBE Buffer, ready for gel preparation and the electrophoresis chamber.

2. Agarose Gel

• The kit includes UltraSpec-Agarose™ powder.

• For DNA analysis, a 1% agarose gel is commonly used.

• Preparation (example: 50 mL of 1% gel):

  • Weigh 0.5 g agarose.

  • Add to 50 mL of 1x TBE buffer in a small flask or beaker.

  • Heat (microwave or hot plate) until the agarose is completely dissolved (solution becomes clear).

  • Allow to cool to about 55–60 °C.

  • Pour the solution into a casting tray with combs in place to form sample wells.

  • After solidification (10–20 minutes), remove the comb — the gel is ready.

3. DNA Staining Solution

• The kit provides FlashBlue™ DNA Stain, a safe dye for visualizing DNA bands.

• Staining procedure:

  • After electrophoresis, carefully remove the gel.

  • Place it in a staining tray and cover with diluted FlashBlue solution (typically diluted 1:10 with water, as per the manual).

  • Stain for ~10–15 minutes.

  • Rinse with distilled water to reduce background and reveal distinct DNA bands.

📌 Note: The kit provides stock or ready-to-use reagents. You don’t have to prepare the buffers entirely from scratch, only dilute or use them as directed.