Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

PCR

PCR

The Replisome

The Replisome

DNA replication is carried out by a large complex of proteins that act in a coordinated matter to achieve high-fidelity DNA replication. Together this complex is known as the DNA replication machinery or the replisome.
The synthesis of the leading and lagging strands is a highly coordinated process. To explain this, the “Trombone model” was proposed by Bruce Alberts in 1980. The DNA loop formation starts when a primer is synthesized on the parent lagging strand. The loop grows with...

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...

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...

Replication in Prokaryotes

Replication in Prokaryotes

Lagging Strand Synthesis

Lagging Strand Synthesis

During replication, the complementary strands in double-stranded DNA are synthesized at different rates. Replication first begins on the leading strand. Replication starts later, occurs more slowly, and proceeds discontinuously on the lagging strand.
There are several major differences between synthesis of the leading strand and synthesis of the lagging strand. 1) Leading strand synthesis happens in the direction of replication fork opening, whereas lagging strand synthesis happens in the...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

A CURE lab in an introductory biology course has minimal impact on student outcomes, self-confidence, and preferences compared to a traditional lab.

Journal of microbiology & biology education·2025

Same author

Lytic bacteriophage have diverse indirect effects in a synthetic cross-feeding community.

The ISME journal·2019

Same author

Kinesthetically Exploring Chromosomes from Cell Division and Meiosis to Mendelian Genetics.

Journal of microbiology & biology education·2018

Same author

Teaching Genetic Linkage and Multiple Crossovers with Sets of Cards as Chromosomes.

Journal of microbiology & biology education·2018

Same author

Engaging College Students by Singing the Science.

Journal of microbiology & biology education·2017

Same author

Songs about cancer, gene expression, and the biochemistry of photosynthesis.

Biochemistry and molecular biology education : a bimonthly publication of the International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·2017

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 16, 2025

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

Understanding Primers and Polymerase Chain Reaction by Using a Kinesthetic Paper Model.

Richard H Heineman¹

¹Kutztown University, Kutztown, Pennsylvania, USA.

Journal of Microbiology & Biology Education

|December 19, 2022

Summary

This hands-on activity uses paper models to teach students the steps of polymerase chain reaction (PCR). It enhances understanding of DNA amplification and polymerase limitations in molecular biology.

Keywords:

DNA polymerase PCR education hands-on kinesthetic model pedagogy polymerase chain reaction primer teaching

More Related Videos

Design to Implementation Study for Development and Patient Validation of Paper-Based Toehold Switch Diagnostics

Design to Implementation Study for Development and Patient Validation of Paper-Based Toehold Switch Diagnostics

Published on: June 17, 2022

Improving Student Outcomes with an Adaptable Molecular Cloning Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience

Improving Student Outcomes with an Adaptable Molecular Cloning Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience

Published on: November 15, 2024

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Aug 16, 2025

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

Design to Implementation Study for Development and Patient Validation of Paper-Based Toehold Switch Diagnostics

Design to Implementation Study for Development and Patient Validation of Paper-Based Toehold Switch Diagnostics

Published on: June 17, 2022

Improving Student Outcomes with an Adaptable Molecular Cloning Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience

Improving Student Outcomes with an Adaptable Molecular Cloning Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience

Published on: November 15, 2024

Area of Science:

Molecular Biology
Biotechnology Education

Background:

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is a fundamental technique in molecular biology.
Traditional PCR instruction often lacks a clear visualization of the amplification process.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop a kinesthetic, hands-on exercise to teach the steps of PCR.
To improve student comprehension of DNA synthesis and primer design.

Main Methods:

Students physically model the PCR process using paper representations of DNA templates and primers.
Newly synthesized DNA strands are represented using chalk.
Students practice designing primers for specific DNA sequences.

Main Results:

The exercise provides a tangible, step-by-step simulation of PCR cycles.
Students gain a practical understanding of DNA polymerase activity and its limitations.
Enhanced comprehension of primer annealing and extension phases.

Conclusions:

This kinesthetic approach significantly improves understanding of PCR mechanisms compared to traditional methods.
The activity fosters critical thinking in primer design and reinforces core molecular biology principles.