Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Study Guide

Flashcards focusing on key concepts and terms related to Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for study preparation.

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

A method used to amplify specific DNA sequences.

Taq polymerase

A heat-stable DNA polymerase enzyme used in PCR, sourced from Thermus aquaticus.

Denaturation

The step in PCR where DNA strands are separated by heating.

Annealing

The step in PCR where primers bind to the template DNA.

Extension

The step in PCR where nucleotides are added to build new DNA strands.

Alternative splicing

A process that allows multiple mRNA variants to be produced from a single gene.

Gene cloning

The process of inserting genes into plasmids for study and manipulation.

MicroRNA

Small RNA molecules that regulate gene expression after transcription.

RNA polymerase

The enzyme crucial for synthesizing RNA during transcription.

Components required for PCR

Primers, DNA template, and nucleotides are necessary for the PCR process.

PCR efficiency

PCR is efficient because it amplifies DNA quickly in just a few hours.

DNA polymerase III (poly III)

The DNA polymerase used in bacterial DNA replication.

DNA replication

The process of copying DNA prior to cell division.

PCR applications

Used in forensic science to amplify DNA from crime scenes, among other applications.

Order of PCR steps

The correct order is Denaturation -> Annealing -> Extension.