Link to our lab as a pdf - College of Science - Marshall University

Glossary
Agarose: A molecule purified from seaweed that is
used for the electrophoretic separation of nucleic
acids.
Allele: One of two or more alternative forms of a
gene that exist at a specific gene location on a chromosome.
Base: A letter in the DNA alphabet, either adenine
(A), thymine (T), guanine (G), or cytosine (C).
Band: A discrete length of DNA that is visualized on
a gel when the DNA in the gel is stained.
Buffer: A solution made of acids and their conjugate
bases that is used to maintain the pH of a system.
Chromosome: A linear strand of DNA and proteins
in the nucleus of a cell. Chromosomes carry genes
and function in the transmission of hereditary information.
Chromosomes are in pairs, one set coming
from each parent.
Comb: A plastic piece shaped like a comb that leaves
wells in agarose gels.
DNA: Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is a doublestranded,
helical nucleic acid molecule that is the
carrier of genetic information.
Gene: A discrete unit of hereditary information
that is located on the chromosomes and consists of
DNA. Genes can have many alleles.
Heterozygous: Having two different alleles for a
given trait, one from each parent.
Homozygous: Having the same allele twice for a
given trait.
Load: Placing the DNA sample in the well of the
agarose gel with the pipet.
PCR: The Polymerase Chain Reaction, a technique
used to amplify regions within small amounts of
DNA by copying those regions many times.
Pipette: A device used to pick up and deliver a precisely
measured amount of liquid.
Tips: A small, disposable plastic piece which fits on
a pipet. The tips are changed to prevent samples
from cross-contamination.
Well: Small rectangular hole in agarose gel left by
comb. Each DNA sample is loaded in a well.
Electrophoresis: When an agarose gel is placed in
buffer, DNA samples are placed in wells, and electrical
current is passed through the gel, the electrical
field pulls the DNA through the gel. Smaller molecules
pass through easily and move toward the other
end faster, thus sorting the DNA sample by size.
Forensic: Relating to the application of scientific
knowledge to legal cases. From Latin forensis for
“belonging to the forum,” ancient Rome’s site for
public debate and currently meaning pertaining
to the courts. Thus, forensic testimony or forensic
medicine are used to assist the court or the attorneys
in legal matters, including trials.
Gel: A gelatin-like material formed from long molecules
(polymers) of agarose which trap liquid within
a matrix.
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The Mystery of Lyle and Louise