What makes a DNA Fingerprint Unique?

I need to experiment and create a lab report.

Writing Lab Reports

What lab reports and scientific papers do:

– Persuade others to accept or reject hypotheses by presenting data and interpretations
– Detail data, procedures, and outcomes for future researchers
– Become part of the accepted body of scientific knowledge when published unless later disproved
– Provide an archival record for reference and document a current situation for future comparison

Format

Title:

– Reflect the factual content with less than ten words in a straightforward manner

Statement of the Problem:

– What question(s) are you trying to answer?

Hypothesis:

– Write a possible solution for the problem.

Make sure this possible solution is a complete sentence.

Make sure the statement is testable, an if-then statement is recommended to illustrate what criteria will support your hypothesis (and what data would not support the hypothesis).

Background/Introduction:

– Define the subject of the report: “Why was this study performed?”
– Provide background information and relevant studies: “What knowledge already exists about this subject?”

Materials and methods:

– List materials used, how were they used, and where and when was the work done (especially important in field studies)
– Describe special pieces of equipment and the general theory of the analyses or assays used

Results

– Concentrate on general trends and differences and not on trivial details.
– Summarize the data from the experiments without discussing their implications
– Organize data into tables, figures, graphs, photographs, etc. Data in a table should not be duplicated in a graph or figure
– Title all figures and tables; include a legend explaining symbols, abbreviations, or special methods
– Number figures and tables separately and refer to them in the text by their number, i.e.

1. Figure 1 shows that the activity….
2. The activity decreases after five minutes (fig. 1)

Discussion

– Interpret the data; do not restate the results
– Relate results to existing theory and knowledge
– Explain the logic that allows you to accept or reject your original hypotheses
– Speculate as necessary but identify it as such
– Include suggestions for improving your techniques or design, or clarify areas of doubt for further research

http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/scientific-reports/