PCR & Sequencing

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) A commonly used method to make millions of genetic copies of specific DNA samples. This allows scientists to amplify small samples of DNA and make them large enough to analyze.

How does PCR work?

To amplify the sample of DNA, the sample is first heated so

the DNA separates into two single stranded DNA. An enzyme called Taq polymerase builds two new strands of DNA. The two original strands of DNA act as templates for the enzyme. Each of the strands are then used to continually create two new copies. The separation and synthesizing process repeats as many as 30 times. This makes over one billion copies of the original DNA segments.
   The PCR process uses an automated thermocycler that is programmed to alter the temperature of the reaction every few minutes to allow for DNA separation and synthesis.