Activity

DNA Forensics and Color Pigments

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet

Use food coloring in electrophoresis. The last segment in a four-part series mimics DNA fingerprinting by using chromatography. Teams conduct chromatography on food coloring to find colors that use similar pigmentation in their makeup.

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Instructional Ideas
  • Use two different types of food coloring and compare the colors to see if they are similar
Classroom Considerations
  • The class should have a general knowledge of gel electrophoresis
  • Develop a system to keep the paper from dropping into the water
Pros
  • The worksheet makes the connection between the simulated DNA forensics and actual DNA forensics
  • The worksheet comes with an answer document
Cons
  • None