PCR (Polymerase Chain Technology) is a technique used in molecular biology to amplify a single copy of a particular sequence of DNA to millions of Copies.
The mix required is prepared in a single tube and is subjected to the virtual DNA Amplification.
The majority of the techniques relies on a thermal cycling which involves series of heating and cooling. The steps includes:
Denaturation:
The double stranded DNA is subjected to heat up to 94-96 degrees in order to separate the strands.
Annealing:
The each strands are annealed with Taq (Thermal Aquaticus) polymerase in temperature 50 to 65 degrees.
Extension:
In this step the polymerase synthesizes a complimentary DNA at temperature 75-80 degrees.
PCR is used in:
a. Viral Loads Quantification(eg: HCV, HIV, HBV, CMV,etc)
b. Forensic Applications
c. Genetic Testing
d. Oncogenesis
e. Researches