DNA - Focused Set
qPCR(CNV)
PCR (polymerase chain reaction) is a technique that is central to molecular biology research. Developed by Kerry Mullis in 1983, this technique revolutionized genetic research, opening many doors to new applications in medicine and biotechnology. For this, the Nobel prize was awarded to Mullis for development of this empowering tool. PCR is currently used in a variety of applications ranging from cloning, gene expression analysis, genotyping, sequencing, resequencing, and mutagenesis. PCR is also used in diagnostics for infectious diseases and in forensic investigation.
The PCR process includes several steps: denaturation where DNA strands are melted and separate, annealing where the primers anneal to template DNA, and extension where the enzyme works to elongate the DNA strands. These steps are carried out 20-35 times in a thermal cycler to produce many replicates of the DNA template. PCR is highly efficient and specific, generating over 10 million copies of target DNA from just a few molecules. Because the PCR process is so sensitive and specific, it is important to choose high quality PCR products to produce optimal results.