PCR

Definition

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is a technique used to amplify small segments of DNA. It allows for the creation of millions of copies of a specific DNA sequence in a short period.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. PCR requires the use of a thermal cycler, primers, nucleotides, and DNA polymerase.
2. The process involves three main steps: denaturation, annealing, and extension.
3. PCR can be used to detect bacterial infections by amplifying specific bacterial DNA sequences in clinical samples.
4. In diagnostics, PCR is valuable for identifying pathogens in the urogenital system and blood infections.
5. Real-time PCR (qPCR) allows for the quantification of DNA or RNA present in a sample.

Related terms

Thermal Cycler: A machine that automates the temperature changes required during PCR.

Primers: Short sequences of nucleotides that provide a starting point for DNA synthesis.

DNA Polymerase:

An enzyme that synthesizes new strands of DNA complementary to the target sequence during PCR.