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After obtaining a sample of DNA, the first step is to make a bunch of copies (PCR). Then cut the DNA at specific points making long or shorts pieces (restriction enzymes). Then separates these pieces by their size to be analyzed (gel electrophoresis). The data shows the specific DNA sequence for the sample.

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DNA sequencing is an important tool in conservation because of the capabilities to compare large quantities of genetic data in a species  genome with delineation. This allows conservationists to observe the genetic similarities and differences in a specific population. The patterns of inbreeding and admixture can be assessed within a population and the amount of diversity can be measured. The transfer of adaptive alleles can be tracked, while tracing whether introgression is occurring. Also if alleles are disappearing because of lack of diversity or simple natural selection can be tracked, known as genetic drift, when random factors determine who survives. With this information, it can be assessed whether a genetic rescue is a viable option for this population.

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This was my gel after my first trial (video on the left) doing electrophoresis using fake DNA.

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There are a lot of different kinds of restriction enzymes.This enzymes purpose is to cleave or split DNA. Each different kind of restriction enzyme has a specific restriction site. A restriction site is a specific nucleotide sequence in the DNA that the enzyme recognizes.
Once the enzyme recognizes the sequence, which is usually around six nucleotides, it wraps around both strands of the DNA and creates a break. Since the restriction sites are palindromic, meaning they are the same as each other in reverse, the enzyme splits between the same two nucleotides just on separate ends, as shown in the picture below.

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PCR, which stands for polymerase chain reaction is used by taking a DNA sequence to make millions of identical copies. The diagram I drew below shows the three main steps used in this reaction.
In the first stage, the double stranded DNA is split up into two single strands by heating it to 95° celsius, which breaks the hydrogen bonds. At the next stage a primer is attached to each single strand at 55° celsius. Lastly both single strands are turned into identical double strands by the enzyme taq polymerase at 72° celsius. This is a special taq polymerase that can with stand the hot temperature. This process repeats for around 30-40 cycles.
In the fish lab I did, I used a machine to do this for me, but it is still important for me to know what the process entailed.

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Gel electrophoresis is a process to separate (by size) and analyze DNA fragments. Refer to the diagram to the right with my explanation.
The first step is to make a gel made out of agarose, which is heated in water and cooled in a mold, resulting in a squishy gel.
Next the premade gel is put into the electrophoresis chamber, which allows an electric current to run through the gel when turned on.
The prepared DNA (run through PCR and restriction enzymes) is carefully placed into the wells of the agarose gel where the negative current will flow.
Once the machine is turned on and the electrical charged is running through the gel the negatively charged DNA will move from the negative end to the positive end. Longer pieces of DNA move slower and shorter pieces move faster to the positive end.
After the process is finished, around 30 minutes, the data can be analyzed, compared to other data, and/or added to other genomic data.