Image via WikipediaPolymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a technique to amplify a single or few copies of a piece of DNA across several orders of magnitude, generating millions or more copies of a particular DNA sequence. Primers (short DNA fragments) containing sequences complementary to the target region along with a DNA polymerase (after which the method is named) are key components to enable selective and repeated amplification. As PCR progresses, the DNA generated is itself used as a template for replication, setting in motion a chain reaction in which the DNA template is exponentially amplified.
Simply put, “Primers” are prepared complementary to target genes, Polymerses are added and they work together to produce millions of copies of the target genetic sequence.
A few uses of PCR include-
- Genetic fingerprinting
- Paternity testing
- Detection of hereditary diseases
- Cloning genes
- Mutagenesis
- Analysis of ancient DNA
- Genotyping of specific mutations
- Comparison of gene expression
But talking about PCR need not be so boring. This is a very creative music video created by BioRad to popularize and inform about the uses of PCR. Medical communications as i like it. Focus on the receiver and the message and break the boredom barrier.
Digital Medicine 