3. PCR Page 376 – 377
PCR Polymerase Chain Reaction PCR – in vitro The more DNA available, the easier it is to work with.
Kary Mullis Developed the PCR process in 1986 Nobel Laureate, 1993
Polymerase Chain Reaction Uses purified DNA polymerase Minimum requirements for DNA polymerase:
Three steps for a cycle DNA strand denaturation (95°C) Primer annealing (50°C - 65°C) DNA strand synthesis (72°C)
PCR
Problem Where do you find enzymes that don’t break down at 95°C? Thermus aquaticus Isolated Taq polymerase from these bacteria.
PCR After 30 cycles, 230 (more than a billion) copies of DNA can be produced. 30 cycles of PCR can take anywhere from 1 – 2 hours to complete.
PCR Applications Genetic Screening Forensic Analysis
Video PCR Animation