DNA sequencing, bioinformatics and stem cells (2025 spec)
The principle of DNA sequencing, using genome databases to find disease alleles, interpreting DNA profiles, stem cells and the ethics of genetic technologies. Added for the revised specification (students starting 5th year from September 2025).
Fill the gaps: 1 · Multiple choice: 10 · Select all that apply: 1 · Put in order: 1 · Short answer: 1 · Written answer (self/teacher assessed): 1
Each question has up to three hints, a worked explanation, and is tracked in your progress and review plan.
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Read the passage: A paternity and forensic DNA profile
A forensic laboratory analysed DNA at five variable regions (A–E). For each region, a person has two bands (one inherited from each parent), unless both copies are the same length, when a single band is seen. Band sizes are given in base pairs (bp). Region | Mother | Child | Man X | Man Y | Crime-scene sample A | 150, 210 | 150, 180 | 180, 240 | 200, 260 | 150, 180 B | 300, 330 | 330, 360 | 360 | 310, 350 | 330, 360 C | 120, 140 | 120, 160 | 160, 190 | 130, 170 | 120, 160 D | 400, 420 | 420, 450 | 410, 450 | 380, 440 | 420, 450 E | 90, 110 | 90, 105 | 105, 125 | 95, 115 | 90, 105