Mullis

Definition

Kary Mullis was an American biochemist who invented the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), a technique that amplifies DNA sequences. PCR has revolutionized molecular biology, allowing for rapid and specific DNA analysis.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Kary Mullis was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1993 for his invention of PCR.
2. PCR can amplify a single or few copies of DNA across several orders of magnitude, generating thousands to millions of copies of a particular DNA sequence.
3. The invention of PCR has been pivotal for genetic fingerprinting, cloning, and sequencing.
4. PCR requires three main steps: denaturation, annealing, and extension.
5. Taq polymerase is a key enzyme used in PCR because it is heat-resistant and facilitates the synthesis of new DNA strands.

Review Questions

Related terms

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR):

A laboratory technique used to make multiple copies of a segment of DNA.

Taq Polymerase: A thermostable DNA polymerase enzyme derived from the bacterium Thermus aquaticus, essential for PCR.

DNA Sequencing: The process of determining the precise order of nucleotides within a DNA molecule.