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PCR

PCR

PCR - Polymerase Chain Reaction

PCR - Polymerase Chain Reaction

Real Time RT-PCR

Real Time RT-PCR

Real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, or Real-time RT-PCR, is an analytical tool used to determine the expression level of target genes. The method involves converting mRNA to complementary DNA with the help of an enzyme known as reverse transcriptase, followed by the PCR amplification of the cDNA. These two processes can be performed simultaneously in a single tube or separately as a two-step reaction.
The real-time quantification of the number of amplified products is...

RACE - Rapid Amplification of cDNA Ends

RACE - Rapid Amplification of cDNA Ends

Rapid Amplification of cDNA Ends, or RACE, is one of the most effective methods to obtain a full-length cDNA from an mRNA sequence between a known internal region to the unknown sequence at the 5’ or 3’ end. The unknown region is cloned in the cDNA by a gene-specific primer that binds the known end, and a hybrid primer that attaches a predefined anchor sequence to the unknown end of the cDNA. The sequence in between is amplified by PCR with an anchor primer and a gene-specific primer.
Since the...

Proofreading

Proofreading

Synthesis of new DNA molecules is carried out by the enzyme DNA polymerase, which adds nucleotides on the daughter strand complementary to the template DNA strand. DNA polymerase has a higher affinity to add the correct base and ensures fidelity during DNA replication. Furthermore, it exhibits proofreading activity during replication, using an exonuclease domain that cuts off incorrect nucleotides from the nascent DNA strand.
Errors During Replication are Corrected by the DNA Polymerase Enzyme

Radical Chain-Growth Polymerization: Overview

Radical Chain-Growth Polymerization: Overview

Chain-growth or addition polymerization is successive addition reactions of monomers with a polymer chain. In radical chain-growth polymerization, the reaction proceeds via a free-radical intermediate. The free radical is formed from radical initiators, which spontaneously generate free radicals by homolytic fission. Organic peroxides (such as dibenzoyl peroxide, as shown in Figure 1) or azo compounds are popular radical initiators. A low concentration ratio of radical initiator to monomer is...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Polymerase Chain Reaction: Basic Protocol Plus Troubleshooting and Optimization Strategies

Polymerase Chain Reaction: Basic Protocol Plus Troubleshooting and Optimization Strategies

Published on: May 22, 2012

Introduction to the polymerase chain reaction.

¹Department of Chemical Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR.

Methods in Molecular Medicine

|March 11, 2011

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplifies DNA in vitro. The development of Taq polymerase significantly advanced PCR, revolutionizing molecular diagnostics and enabling new applications.

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Area of Science:

Molecular Biology
Biotechnology

Background:

The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was developed in 1985 as an in vitro DNA amplification technique.
The introduction of Taq polymerase in 1988 simplified the process and enabled automation.
PCR has since become a cornerstone of molecular biology and diagnostics.

Purpose of the Study:

To provide an introductory guide to the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).
To highlight the fundamental principles and power of PCR.
To underscore the impact of PCR on molecular diagnostics.

Main Methods:

The abstract describes PCR as an in vitro method for DNA amplification.
It mentions the use of thermostable Taq polymerase.
The core principle of PCR is presented as simple yet powerful.

Main Results:

PCR enables the amplification of specific DNA sequences.
The adoption of Taq polymerase greatly simplified and automated the PCR process.
Numerous applications have been developed based on the PCR technique.

Conclusions:

PCR is a versatile and rapid technology.
It has revolutionized molecular diagnostics.
PCR has made previously impossible applications achievable.