We specialize in hard to find items
All Categories
Basic PCR Methods: Learn the basics of experimental design and the PCR procedure (Decision Learning)
Share Tweet
*Price and Stocks may change without prior notice
*Packaging of actual item may differ from photo shown
- Electrical items MAY be 110 volts.
- 7 Day Return Policy
- All products are genuine and original
- Cash On Delivery/Cash Upon Pickup Available
About Basic PCR Methods: Learn The Basics Of Experimental
The goal of PCR is simple. PCR gives you the ability to detect molecular polymorphism by making enough copies of a specific fragment of DNA so that you can detect it. In order to make millions of copies of a DNA template, several components must be brought together in a very specific way. Starting with the DNA template (what you want copies of) the investigator must add nucleotides (un-incorporated, single pieces of DNA) and the DNA polymerase enzyme. Also added are magnesium chloride (MgCl2) and primers (short sequences of DNA that start the PCR reaction at a specific place in the genome). Finally, a machine called a "thermal cycler" is required to help these components make the copies you want. Most of the 25 labs use a standard polymerase master mix. The PCR process is essentially a genetic copy machine, and by supplying the proper components, millions of copies of the target DNA can be created in a matter of hours. At the optimum rate, with all components functioning properly, PCR doubles the amount of target DNA for each “cycle” it operates. The PCR reaction is relatively consistent between protocols. Typically, DNA is denatured (separated) at a high temperature (94-96o C), followed by annealing of primers, then extension of those primers with nucleotides (at 72o C). This process is repeated from 2 – 80 times until the desired concentration of product is achieved (or until a reaction component is no longer available). Differences in techniques relate primarily to the type of primer used, the DNA being amplified and the detection method. The polymerase chain reaction is usually the first half of the procedure. PCR amplifies the target DNA, which then must be detected. In this course, the detection of PCR products is typically accomplished using agarose electrophoresis. This course requires the student to manipulate the various components and physical temperature required for PCR to answer specific questions. An example lab is “how much DNA is required for PCR?”. In order to answer this question, the student must design an experiment that varies the amount of DNA in several samples, set up the experiment, then analyze the results. This course is specifically designed to teach a student how to set up and analyze experimental results using PCR as the experimental vehicle.
