Polymerase Chain Reaction, commonly known as PCR, is a technique in molecular biology used to amplify a single copy of a piece of DNA into thousands to millions of copies, visible on an electrophoresis gel. This technique is crucial in various fields such as medical diagnostics, forensics, and genetic research.
How PCR Works
PCR works by making numerous copies of a specific DNA sequence. It involves a series of cycles that include denaturation, annealing, and extension.
- Denaturation: The DNA is heated to separate the two strands.
- Annealing: Primers bind to the DNA at specific locations.
- Extension: DNA polymerase synthesizes a new strand complementary to the template strand.
Applications of PCR
- Medical Diagnostics: Detecting genetic diseases, identifying pathogens, and diagnosing infections.
- Forensics: DNA profiling for criminal investigations.
- Genetic Research: Sequencing and cloning genes, studying genetic mutations, and understanding genetic diseases.
Further Reading
For more detailed information about PCR and its applications, you can visit our PCR Techniques page.
PCR Machine