DNA fingerprinting: Using DNA for identification

Part 1:

1. In your opinion, what role (if any) did newspaper stories and editorials have in the outcome of the original trial of Dr. Sam Sheppard? it was kind of misleading because they were just bashing on sheppard because he was the husband
   
   

Go back to the Killer’s Trail homepage and select ”Create a DNA Fingerprint.”

Read about the crime and the suspects then go on to part 2. Answer the following questions about the technique as you go through the simulation:

2. What is the function of the restriction enzymes in DNA fingerprinting? to cut the DNA into different sections of the DNA to figure out the code

3. What is the function of  the agarose gel electrophoresis step? Act as a molecular strainer allowing smaller pieces of DNA to move through more easily than larger pieces

4. Why is a nylon membrane used to blot the DNA? To make it easier to work with the agarose gel

5. What does a dark spot on the X-ray film indicate? nylon membranes

Part 2: 

1. What evidence was initially used to convict Cotton? They sketched the man in how Jennifer saw him

2. What did the DNA evidence show? The DNA evidences showed that there was no match to cotton but showed a match to an inmate that confessed to the crime

3. How could DNA fingerprinting be used to prevent a false conviction if a case like this was being tried today? DNA can not lie

4. What percentage of convicts are unjustly convicted of sexual assault cases, according to Neufeld and Scheck? 25 percent

5. The O.J. Simpson trial was one of the most visible trials that attempted to use DNA evidence.  In the end, the DNA evidence was not satisfying to the jury, who acquitted Simpson.  What do Neufeld and Scheck believe about the impact of the O.J. Simpson trial on the use of DNA evidence? the way they used to gather the evidence is by swiping the blood around the murder scene but the evidence team didn't swipe the glove entirely there was also lack of a knife.