Step 1 of DNA processing includes isolating the DNA in the sample we have collected, we use a Lysis Buffer to compromise the Cell Membrane, as well as the Nuclear Membrane to access the DNA contained within it. This first step commonly is referred to as Isolation.
Step 2 of DNA processing has a bit more substance to it, now we have our isolated DNA molecule that was the easy part. Now those funky little tubes, here’s when they come into play, we place the isolated DNA into the PCR tube as well as some other chemicals and things of that such nature: A single DNA polymerase, 2 primers and an assortment of Nucleotides. That is the part I understand, now the next part of this step dives a bit more into Chemistry so we seal the tube and start the PCR reaction with some heating and cooling, this might be similar to how DNA is replicated in our own cell however this somehow replicates a certain part of the DNA molecule known as the DNA marker. Now just like the step that preceded this one, this step too has a nick name, Amplification.
Step 3 of DNA processing includes a new variable into the volatile mix of Biology/Chemistry. So, we now have our many, many replicated DNA markers, (these are the bits of DNA that contain the differences between people.) This is when the new variable comes into play the electrophoresis gel; we place the DNA into the slots of the gel that were conveniently made with a comb placed into it when it was being created. Now with a name like electrophoresis gel, you can probably guess that it will include electricity, and your right, but first a TBE buffer solution is spread over the gel and is used to help the conduction and flow of electricity in the process. Now we have the electricity flow through the gel, one end negative one end positive. Now I won’t even blabber on about, different uses of words and there placement among there fellows in a fluent sentence, however as a final note, this process label is Separation.
Step 4 of DNA processing is the final step, we are done here and all that remains is to look, at the remains. This is fairly simple the Separation process draws out the DNA markers according to length, so what is down is a sample of the victims DNA is taken, the evidence DNA is there as well and the suspects, and possible all of the CODIS database, they are matched up all against each other and the DNA of the same person should match in the distance traveled in the gel.
