BRAINCAKEThe Polymerase Chain Reaction
The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a technique used to make millions of copies of a specific section of DNA in a short time. It is carried out in a test tube (in vitro), not in a living cell.
PCR is useful because DNA samples are often tiny. A single hair root, a drop of blood or a trace of saliva at a crime scene contains far too little DNA to analyse. PCR amplifies the DNA so there is enough for DNA profiling, sequencing, detecting pathogens or testing for genetic disorders.
A PCR reaction mixture contains:
• the DNA sample to be copied (the template)
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More in Gene Sequencing
- The Genome
- How PCR Works
- DNA Sequencing
- Using DNA Sequencing
- Using DNA Sequencing to Manage Disease
- Introns and Satellite DNA
- DNA Profiles
- Gel Electrophoresis
All 12 lessons in Gene Sequencing · All Edexcel A-level Biology topics