Module 2

DNA Forensics - The Anna Anderson Story

Purpose: to introduce the student to

• the fundamental principles of the central dogma and heredity
• the composition and structure of DNA
• methods of DNA sequencing and electrophoretic analysis
• DNA variation, genetic polymorphisms
• PCR

Instructional Approach:

This module established as its setting the historical demise of Tsar Nicholas Romanov and his family, the discovery of human remains near Ekaterinberg, Russia, and the late Anna Anderson's claim that she was the missing daughter Anastasia. The problems posed to the students are: 1) how can it be determined if the remains are those of the Romanovs, and 2) is Anna Anderson's claim to be believed?

Student-centered investigations were accomplished in several ways:

• Computer visualizations of x-ray crystal data of DNA and DNA binding proteins using public domain software (VMD) that the students can operate on virtually any computer, including their own.
• Exploration of biological feedback control loops using numerical simulations based on models provided and software packages the students are familiar with (Mathematica).
• Laboratory training and hands-on application of PCR using primers similar to those used for the forensic analysis of the Romanov DNA.

Finally, at the end of the module students were given a set of problems to solve as though they were heading up their own forensics laboratory.

Resources:

Currently unavailable

 

This project was funded by a grant from the NSF Action Agenda Program.
This site archives the original version of the course. For more information on
how the course is taught today, please visit: http://www.biologyforengineers.org

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