Question

Briefly list the steps to create a DNA fingerprint through the process of gel electrophoresis.

Answer 1

Essentially, dna is extracted and then put into vials with different restriction enzymes. There is a control sample which isn't cut however the dna that are introduced to restriction enzymes are cut at points unique to each enzyme. For example, HindIII cuts to leave these sequences called "sticky ends"
5'-A |A G C T T-3'
3'-T T C G A| A-5'

If an enzyme or mix of enzymes cuts once then you will have 1 piece of dna (assuming we are working with plasmids). If it cuts twice then you have two pieces, etc. the number of pieces is reflected by the number of bands in the gel. The bands are shown because of loading gel that is added to the dna in each well, and they separate due to electrical current and "friction" of a sort. The gel used for electrophoresis has miniscule holes through which small dna pieces pass quickly but big dna fragments move slowly. In this way small fragment will move further than big fragments and each person's unique dna sequence will show up differently in the gel. The dna separates due to its negative charge, moving toward the positive pole.

Answer 2

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