cheeseWho Ate the Cheese?!

Download Google Doc

Objectives: In this simulation you will examine crime scene evidence to determine who is responsible for eating the Queen's special imported Lindbergher Cheese (yes, the stinky cheese). You will model the process of electrophoresis and DNA fingerprinting.

ROYAL GUARD INCIDENT REPORT

Incident Data

Incident Type: Theft Complaint Status Pending DNA results
Processed by: Chief Wiggam Other Officers: Officer Li Gase

Property

Property Code: Rare cheese Owner's Name Queen Elizabeth
Name: Lindbergher Value: $12,000

Burglary Data

Method of Entry: Unknown, no evidence of force on doors or windows.

Narrative: The cheese was allegedly stolen from the Queen's sitting room the night before the grande ball. The cheese was listed as a gift from the Manchurian diplomat. Officer Li Gase dusted for fingerprints and found none on the table or doors, the maid claimed that they had been wiped clean earlier. The wheel of cheese was on a platform in the sitting room, and half of it had been eaten. We took pictures of the half eaten cheese and sent it to the lab for further tests. Edna N. Zime, the lab technician said that saliva samples could be taken from the teeth imprints of the cheese that was left behind.

Suspect Data

Suspect Number: 1
Name: Princess Dubbah Elix
Description of Suspicion: The princess was seen entering the sitting room earlier in the evening. She is well known for her love of cheese.

Suspect Number 2
Name: Electra Foresis
Description of Suspicion: Electra was recently involved in a relationship with the Manchurian diplomat that sources say ended badly. Her motive may have been to sabotage the diplomat's gift to the Queen.

Suspect Number 3
Name: Ada Nine
Description of Suspicion: Ada was the maid in charge of cleaning the sitting room. She had access to the cheese.

Suspect Number 4
Name: Gene Tics
Description of Suspicion: Gene is the leader of the local Cheese-Makers Guild, he may not have wished for Queen Elizabeth to have cheese from anywhere but his own guild.

Crime Lab Data

Crime Lab Investigator R. Renee Lab Technician Edna N. Zime
List of Evidence Received Plastic bag with cheese crumbs List of Procedures Used DNA extraction
Polymerase Chain Reaction
DNA restriction Analysis

Narrative: After receiving the package with the plastic bag marked Crime Scene, the DNA was extracted. Because the sample was so small, the DNA was amplified using the polymerase chain reaction. We isolated the DNA from the four suspects and compared them to the crime scene DNA using DNA restriction analysis.

Results: See attached DNA Results

 

DNA Evidence Evaluation

1. Turn your paper strips (DNA sequences) so that the side with the bases is facing you. The restriction enzyme cuts at each point it finds C C G G, always cutting between the C and the G. Label the back of the slips with the suspect number so that you don't get them confused after cutting. Use scissors to cut the DNA sequence at the C C G G points.

2. Count the number of base pairs (bp) in each piece of DNA that you created. Record the base pair number on the back side of the DNA fragment.

3. Make an enlarged chart like the one shown. Your teacher will give you paper for this. Use a ruler to ensure that the lengths are uniform. Alternatively, you can use chalk markers on the lab desk.

4. Tape your DNA fragments to the chart, using the base pair numbers as a guideline for fragment placement.

5. Compare the crime scene DNA to the suspects and indicate on your chart, which suspect is guilty of eating the cheese.

diagram

1. On your chart, label the positive (+) and the negative (-) ends. Circle the suspect's DNA who matches the DNA at the crime scene and write the name of the suspect.

Who ate the cheese? ___________________________________________
How do you know? _________________________________________________

2. For each of the following tasks performed in the activity, describe what they are actually simulating.

Cutting the DNA into fragments: ________________________________________________________
Taping the DNA onto the large paper: _____________________________________________________

3. For each word below, describe how it relates to DNA Fingerprinting:

Polymerase Chain Reaction __________________________________________________________________
Gel Electrophoresis ________________________________________________________________________
Restriction Enzyme _________________________________________________________________________