BMSC 240 Laboratory Techniques Lecture 22: PCR

A collection of flashcards exploring key terms and concepts from the PCR lecture.

Ligation

The process of joining two fragments of DNA together by their similar ends.

Transformation

A method where cells take up foreign DNA after a heat shock and then recover before being plated for selection.

Plasmid Isolation

The process of lysing cells and isolating plasmid DNA from genomic DNA.

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)

A technique used to amplify DNA by repeating cycles of denaturation, annealing, and extension.

Taq Polymerase

A heat-stable DNA polymerase extracted from Thermus aquaticus, commonly used in PCR.

Exponential Growth in PCR

The phase during PCR where the amount of DNA doubles each cycle until it reaches a plateau.

Primers

Short sequences of nucleotides that initiate the DNA synthesis during PCR.

Tm (Melting Temperature)

The temperature at which a double-stranded DNA denatures into single strands.

Positive Control

A test sample known to yield a positive result, used in experiments to ensure that the assay works.

Negative Control

A test sample without the target DNA used to identify contamination or false positives in PCR.

Real-time PCR

A technique that allows for the quantification of DNA during the PCR process by measuring fluorescence.

Quantitative PCR (qPCR)

Specialized PCR that quantifies DNA by using fluorescent dyes or probes to measure the amount of product generated.

Alu elements

Short repetitive DNA sequences that are distributed throughout the human genome, used in genetic fingerprinting.

CODIS

Combined DNA Index System, a national database of DNA profiles used for forensic identification.

Cycle threshold (Ct)

The number of cycles required for the fluorescent signal to exceed the background level in qPCR.

Amplicon

The DNA fragment that is amplified during the PCR process.

Hairpin Structure

A potential secondary structure formed by primers that can interfere with PCR results.

Mutagenesis

The process of inducing changes in the DNA sequence to study gene function or produce genetic variation.

Synthetic Biology

An interdisciplinary branch of biology and engineering that involves creating new biological parts or systems.

PCR Applications

Various uses of PCR including diagnostics, DNA fingerprinting, disease testing, and genetic research.