Thermal cycler

Definition

A thermal cycler is a laboratory instrument used to amplify DNA sequences through the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) process. It precisely controls temperature cycles required for denaturation, annealing, and extension of DNA strands.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Thermal cyclers are essential for PCR, which is a technique used to create millions of copies of a specific DNA sequence.
2. The device operates by rapidly heating and cooling samples in small tubes or wells to facilitate various stages of PCR.
3. Modern thermal cyclers often have heated lids to prevent condensation and ensure optimal reaction conditions.
4. They can be programmed with different cycling protocols depending on the specific requirements of the DNA being amplified.
5. Thermal cyclers have revolutionized genetic research, allowing for quick and efficient analysis of genetic material in microbiology.

Review Questions

• What is the primary function of a thermal cycler in a laboratory setting?
• Why is precise temperature control important in the operation of a thermal cycler?
• How has the development of thermal cyclers impacted genetic research?

Related terms

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR): A technique used to amplify specific DNA sequences.

Denaturation: The process where double-stranded DNA is heated to separate it into two single strands.

Annealing: The step in PCR where primers bind to their complementary sequences on single-stranded DNA.