PCR
last authored: March 2010, David LaPierre
last reviewed:
Introduction
PCR, or polymerase chain reaction, is an extremely powerful but very simple technique.
It can turn a very few copies of DNA, from maybe 10 cells, into millions of copies that can then be studied on a gel or by sequencing.
- Isolate DNA
- pick primers
- do PCR
- run on a gel
- sequence
PCR used to diagnose pathogens will often target structural or housekeeping genes that are not under selective mutational pressure.
Explanation of a gel: like running through the bushes with a rope behind you; a short rope will let you move quickly, while a longer ropoe will slow you down.
Uses
Procedure
Biotinylated primers can be used. Following amplification, detection can be carried out using streptavidin-chromogen (horseradish peroxidase or alkaline phosphatase.
Resources and References
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