Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Deana M. Namuth
Department of Agronomy and Horticulture at University of Nebraska-Lincoln, USA
2004
(http://agronomy.unl.edu/fac/namuth.htm)

Lesson Navigation Tips: - Click on ’Animations’ button found to the left in order to view the animation which supplements this lesson. You can also click on the animation icon within the text. - Click once on figures to see enlarged versions. - Click once on words in color to bring up their definitions.

Overview:

The polymerase chain reaction laboratory technique is used in a variety of applications to make copies of a specific DNA sequence. This lesson describes how a PCR reaction works, what it accomplishes and its basic requirements for success. Examples of interpreting results are given. PCR’s strengths, weaknesses and applications to plant biotechnology are explained.

Objectives:

At the completion of this PCR lesson, learners will be able to:

-Describe what natural cellular process PCR mimics.
-List the 5 chemical components of a PCR reaction and describe their roles.
-List the functions of the 3 temperature cycles which are repeated during a PCR reaction.
-Describe the process of observing results and interpreting results of an experiment.
-Explain both the strengths and weaknesses of PCR.
-List possible uses of PCR in plant biotechnology.

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Development of this lesson was supported in part by Cooperative State Research, Education, & Extension Service, U.S. Dept of Agriculture under Agreement Number 98-EATP-1-0403 administered by Cornell University and the American Distance Education Consortium (ADEC); and in part by USDA Initiative for Future Agriculture and Food Systems (IFAFS)and the Cooperative State Research, Education, & Extension Service, U.S. Dept of Agriculture under Agreement Number 00-52100-9710. A contribution of the University of Nebraska College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Lincoln NE 68583, Journal Series 04-12.
Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.