DNA is in everyone’s body. So how would you tell the different DNA of each person from each other? Sure DNA is unique, but how can you measure it and look at it? If you were able to see the DNA cut up, could you tell from the pieces and sizes , which DNA belongs to which person? You can, using gel electrophoresis. Gel electrophoresis separates DNA fragments in accordance to their size. In the place of DNA, you could use food coloring to see if it works. With gel electrophoresis, you would be able to tell the different food colorings from each other. To tell each food color from the other, you would need to know how many components are in different colors of food coloring dye.
Gel electrophoresis is used to separate and view …show more content…
For example, gel electrophoresis is used to solve crimes where a DNA sample of the possible suspects involved are available. The sample can be used to match a suspect to a crime scene. Furthermore, the process lets researchers separate and purify DNA proteins so they can be studied in further detail. In this experiment, we will build a gel electrophoresis, and use it to examine how many components are in varying colors of food coloring dye. The dye that will be examined will represent DNA proteins.
Question: How many different macromolecules make up each food coloring dye? Is there only one per color?
Hypothesis: If there is blue, red, and purple food coloring then the purple food coloring will have two macromolecules, and the red and blue will have one macromolecule each because the purple food coloring is a secondary color and the red and blue are primary colors.
Materials:
Plastic travel soap box, or other sturdy, rectangular, plastic box
Stainless steel wire, the gauge should be no larger than 18 and no smaller than 24
Wire cutters
9-volt batteries (5); make sure the batteries are fresh and fully charged when you start the