PCR in Molecular Diagnostics
The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a method of nucleic acid analysis for producing large amounts of a specific DNA fragment of a defined sequence and length from a small amount of a complex template. It can selectively amplify a single molecule of DNA or RNA several million-fold in a few hours. Use of this technology enables the detection and analysis of specific gene sequences in a patient's sample without cloning. Analyses can be performed on even a few cells from body fluids or in a drop of blood. Thus, PCR eliminates the need to prepare large amounts of DNA from tissue samples. PCR has revolutionized molecular diagnostics. Apart from laboratory diagnosis, it has affected genomics and biotechnology as well.
Related Links The PCR Jump Station | Information and links on PCR | The PCR Gateway | The PCR Directory