Statistics and Probability in Evaluation of DNA Evidence

Attention: open in a new window. PrintE-mail

Statistics and Probability
in Evaluation of DNA Evidence
A CIBT Lab Exercise in Molecular Biology


Price: No Charge

Authors:
Martha Hamblin, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
edited by:
Nancy Wright, Honeoye Central School, Honeoye, NY

DownLoad
Terms of Download
Abstract
In this lab students will apply statistical analysis to the DNA profiling results of an actual rape case. This lab is an extension of DNA profiling labs which students have previously completed. In part I of this exercise, students will use sets of candy to represent alleles in a particular population at a particular locus. They will sample “alleles” from “populations” at three “loci”, estimate frequencies of alleles in those samples and calculate probabilities of particular combinations of alleles.

Appropriate Levels
Life Sciences, High School, Honors, or Advanced Placement Biology.

Time Required
  • Teacher prep: minimal.
  • In class: Two 40 minute period. This time will also include a discussion of principles with your students.

    • Materials
  • M&Ms
  • autorad facsimilies
  • sample autoradiograph