Question

Look at the figure below, which shows fragments of DNA, cut by restriction endonucleases and separated by size on gel. Which DNA samples are likely to be from the same bacterial strain?

Answer 1

To determine if DNA samples are from the same bacterial strain, compare the banding patterns on an agarose gel after digestion with restriction endonucleases; identical or similar patterns indicate the same strain.

Step-by-step explanation:

The subject of this question is Biology, specifically focusing on agarose gel electrophoresis and the use of restriction endonucleases to analyze DNA samples from different bacterial strains.

To determine if DNA samples are from the same bacterial strain, you would compare the banding patterns on the gel.

If the samples are from the same strain, the patterns will be identical or very similar because the distribution of restriction-enzyme recognition sites will be the same.

This comparison of banding patterns is known as Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP analysis).

Therefore, when examining the figures provided, look for lanes where the banding patterns align in terms of number, size, and position of bands to identify DNA samples from the same bacterial strain.