Polymerase Chain Reaction topics include: Primers, applications, precautions and drawbacks, basic techniques and modifications in PCR. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a laboratory method that makes millions to billions of copies of a specific DNA sample. This allows scientists to study a very small sample of DNA in detail.  PCR is based on the principle of enzymatic replication of nucleic acids. It works by: Unzipping the DNA helix Using each strand as a template to build a new strand of DNA Repeating this process  PCR is used in whole genome sequencing and in genomic tests that... Show more

Polymerase Chain Reaction topics include: Primers, applications, precautions and drawbacks, basic techniques and modifications in PCR.

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a laboratory method that makes millions to billions of copies of a specific DNA sample. This allows scientists to study a very small sample of DNA in detail. 

PCR is based on the principle of enzymatic replication of nucleic acids. It works by:
Unzipping the DNA helix
Using each strand as a template to build a new strand of DNA
Repeating this process 

PCR is used in whole genome sequencing and in genomic tests that require more DNA than can be extracted from cells. It's also used to diagnose a wide range of central nervous system (CNS) diseases, including genetic and autoimmune diseases. 

PCR has many applications, including:
Analyzing clinical specimens for the presence of infectious agents, including HIV, hepatitis, malaria, anthrax, etc.
Detecting HIV's genetic material, called RNA
Screening donated blood
Detecting early infections before antibodies have developed 

PCR was invented in 1983 by American biochemist Kary Mullis.

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