Francisca Moreira Chromatography Project DNA Mapping

DNA mapping is a variety of different methods that are used, for example, for describing the position of genes. Genes are small segments of our DNA ladder. These small segments contain a set of instructions that determine what an organism is like, how it behaves, and how it survives in its environment. Chromatography is a separation technique. It is based on the interaction of compounds in two different phases: the mobile phase and the stationary phase. There are various types of chromatography and they are useful in solving many different problems. HPLC or High-Performance Liquid Chromatography, over time, has become an essential tool for DNA research and analysis. For example, chromatography makes it easier to analyze the DNA of a suspect. Later, this DNA analysis can be compared to any other DNA sample found or recorded previously. In the diagram, we can observe the different stages of High-Performance Liquid Chromatography. The solvent (mobile phase) is pumped through the system. The injector is used to inject the recorded sample into the flowing mobile phase stream. The sample is carried through the stream of continuously flowing liquid into the HPLC column. It is the column that has the material necessary for the separation. This material is called the stationary phase. The solution (mobile phase) leaves the column and is passed to a detector, which transfers the data onto a computer. This method is very useful because, as was said previously, this separation helps match a DNA samples genetic characteristics to another sample. Chromatography helps society in many different ways. Firstly, it helps solve problems such as crime scene investigation and DNA mapping. Another example is the fact that chromatography is used to test products that we humans use and enjoy every day (food, for example). Chromatography is used to test a sample of the food product in laboratory, to conclude whether it is clean and un-contaminated. Afterwards, they are sent to stores so that we can buy them. With these examples we can conclude that chromatography helps create a better, safer and healthier society.

Chromatography can also help the environment in many different ways. For example, it separates the substances in sewage-treatment plants. Gas chromatography plays a very important role in the identification and quantification of substances that pollute the environment. This way, we can identify those substances and create plans and methods to prevent it from being used and destroying the environment.

Bibliography:
"Why Is Chromatography Used in DNA Mapping to Identify a Criminal in a Justice Case?"WikiAnswers. Answers, n.d. Web. Oct. 2013. Nordqvist, Christian. "What Is a Gene? What Are Genes?" Medical News Today. MediLexicon International, 09 Feb. 2013. Web. Oct. 2013. "How Does Chromatography Important in Daily Life?" WikiAnswers. Answers, n.d. Web. Oct. 2013. "The Application of Gas Chromatography to Environmental Analysis." The Application of Gas Chromatography to Environmental Analysis. N.p., n.d. Web. Oct. 2013.