Chemistry 9701 · AS & A Level · States of matter

States of matter — practice question

DNA fingerprinting has been among the most significant advances in biochemical analysis in recent years. It has led to major progress in forensic science, medicine and archaeology.
(a)[3]

The table lists the stages involved in making a genetic fingerprint. Insert the numbers 1 to 6 in the empty column to show the correct order.

(b(i))[1]

Which radioactive isotope is used in one of the stages above?

(b(ii))[1]

What is the reason for choosing this isotope?

(c)

The DNA fingerprints below were obtained from a family consisting of a mother, a father and four children.

(c(i))[1]

Are all four children related to the mother? State the evidence for your answer.

(c(ii))[1]

Which child is unlikely to be related to the father? State the evidence for your answer.

(d(i))[2]

Ancient writings were often produced on goatskins. Over many centuries these have frequently broken into fragments, so reconstructing the writings has become almost impossible. Suggest how DNA fingerprinting could be used to identify which fragments came from one particular skin.

(d(ii))[1]

Besides the examples of human remains and goatskins, state one other material that could be studied using this technique.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 10-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: Correct sequence of DNA fingerprinting stages

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