25/11/09
Genetic Finger Printing
- Genetic fingerprinting is a method which identifies people using only samples of their DNA. It produces very precise results and is used a lot in forensic science and paternity testing.
A small sample of hair, blood or other tissue is given. This sample will contain white blood cells which are broken open using detergent. Then enzymes cuts the DNA making it smaller and this is added to agarose gel. Finally the pieces of DNA receive either coloured or radioactive probes. The pattern is recorded and produces the DNA fingerprint.
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Peer Reviews
Here's what a star student thought of this essay
Quality of writing
Punctuation, grammar and spelling are flawless. The format of the piece is good, as is the tone. The sections could have been split up better than 1) 2) so the essay had better flow.
Level of analysis
The process of DNA testing and the relationship to fingerprinting is done very well. It is defined very concisely with a good aiding diagram. The introduction is good because it defines what the procedure is and why it is used. They define the different ways genetic fingerprinting are used well, although it might have been interesting to see comparison between the different techniques for the uses and how reliable the different tests are. Advantages and disadvantages lists are good but I think they should have been expanded on to explain why they are advantages or disadvantages and maybe something that can be done to overcome them.
Response to question
The focus on the question is done well with all bases covered. The candidate could have covered DNA in more detail on how it is used in each procedure, but these are just minor points, and provided more discussion on the advantages and disadvantages to show rounded understanding of the topic.
