Applications of the polymerase chain reaction to genome analysis

The objectives of the Human Genome Project are to create high-resolution genetic and physical maps, and ultimately to determine the complete nucleotide sequence of the human genome. The result of this initiative will be to localize the estimated 50,000-100,000 human genes, and acquire information that will enable development of a better understanding of the relationship between genome structure and function. To achieve these goals, new methodologies that provide more rapid, efficient, and cost effective means of genomic analysis will be required. From both conceptual and practical perspectives, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) represents a fundamental technology for genome mapping and sequencing. The availability of PCR has allowed definition of a technically credible form that the final composite map of the human genome will take, as described in the sequence-tagged site proposal. Moreover, applications of PCR have provided efficient approaches for identifying, isolating, mapping, and sequencing DNA, many of which are amenable to automation. The versatility and power provided by PCR have encouraged its involvement in almost every aspect of human genome research, with new applications of PCR being developed on a continual basis.