POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION (PCR)
PCR, or Polymerase Chain Reaction PCR, or Polymerase Chain Reaction, is a molecular biology technique used to amplify specific DNA sequences. It enables the production of millions of copies of a particular DNA segment, making it easier to study or analyze. Steps in PCR: Denaturation : The double-stranded DNA is heated to separate it into two single strands. Annealing : The temperature is lowered to allow primers (short DNA sequences) to bind to the target DNA sequences. Extension : A heat-stable DNA polymerase synthesizes new DNA strands by adding nucleotides to the primers. TYPES OF PCR: Standard PCR : The basic method for amplifying DNA. Real-Time PCR (qPCR) : Measures the amplification of DNA in real-time, allowing for quantification of the DNA. Reverse Transcription PCR (RT-PCR) : Converts RNA into DNA before amplification, commonly used for studying gene expression. Nested PCR : Uses two sets of primers to increase s...