PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)

medical biotechnology

Define PCR

A biotechnology method used to amplify specific portions of DNA, producing many copies without the need for cells.

Denaturation

The first step in PCR, involving the application of heat to separate the two strands of DNA.

Annealing

The second step in PCR, where the separated DNA strands cool and primers bind to the specific segment of DNA.

DNA Synthesis

The third step in PCR, where DNA polymerase uses DNA nucleotides to create new copies of DNA.

Taq polymerase

A heat-resistant DNA polymerase used in PCR, derived from bacteria that can thrive in hot springs.

cDNA (complementary DNA)

DNA synthesized from RNA using reverse transcriptase, used in the PCR process for RNA viruses.

rRT-PCR (real-time reverse transcription PCR)

A type of PCR used to test for viruses that use RNA as their genetic material, such as SARS-CoV-2.

Primer

Short nucleic acid sequences that provide a starting point for DNA synthesis; essential in the PCR process.

DNA nucleotides

The building blocks of DNA that are used by DNA polymerase to create new strands during PCR.

Gel electrophoresis

A technique used to analyse DNA fragments, often following PCR to visualize results.