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Polymerase Chain Reaction. Qai Gordon and Maddy Marchetti. What is Polymerase Chain Reaction?. Polymerase Chain Reaction ( PCR ) is a process that amplifies small pieces of DNA to create multiple copies of that DNA sequence Also called DNA amplification. Applications of PCR.
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Polymerase Chain Reaction Qai Gordon and MaddyMarchetti
What is Polymerase Chain Reaction? • Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is a process that amplifies small pieces of DNA to create multiple copies of that DNA sequence • Also called DNA amplification
Applications of PCR • To study patterns of gene expression • To find the presence of genetic disease mutations • To provide therapy for cancer patients • To provide more substantial evidence in crime scenes • To analyze the DNA of ancient organisms
Step 1 DNA sample is obtained and denatured by heating it to 98°C
Step 2 • DNA sample is cooled to 60°C • Primers are annealed (bonded) to each strand • Primers: short strands of DNA that set up the starting sequence for the DNA synthesis
Step 3 • DNA polymerase binds to the primersand synthesizes the target DNA sequence with free nucleotides
Results of PCR • After one cycle, two copies of the original target sequence exist • If steps 1-3 are repeated multiple times, the DNA replicates at an exponential rate
Thermal Cycler Loading tray: where prepared samples are placed in tiny tubes Temperature Control: heating and refrigeration mechanisms inside the machine to change the temperature quickly Controls: ways to control the machine and start and stop the PCR process
Animation • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YgXcJ4n-kQ