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Polymerase Chain Reaction: Basic Protocol Plus Troubleshooting and Optimization Strategies
Published on: May 22, 2012
Principles and applications of polymerase chain reaction: basic science for the practicing physician
Faoud T Ishmael1, Cristiana Stellato
1Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, USA.
Summary
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology revolutionizes DNA amplification for biomedical research and disease diagnostics. Real-time PCR further enhances gene expression analysis, becoming essential in labs.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a pivotal technology for DNA amplification.
- Its applications span basic biomedical research and clinical diagnostics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the technology of polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
- To explore its applications in diagnostic medicine and biomedical research.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of English-language articles from 1985-2007.
- Keywords: polymerase chain reaction, real-time polymerase chain reaction, and applications.
Main Results:
- PCR enables rapid, accurate DNA amplification for gene cloning and manipulation.
- Facilitates diagnosis of genetic, infectious, and oncologic diseases.
- Real-time PCR advances quantification of DNA amplification and gene expression analysis.
Conclusions:
- PCR and real-time PCR have transformed basic science and diagnostic medicine.
- These techniques are indispensable tools in research and clinical laboratories.
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