En EspanolTalking Glossary of Genetic Terms
Leslie G. Biesecker, M.D. defines Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
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Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a laboratory technique used to amplify DNA sequences. The method involves using short DNA sequences called primers to select the portion of the genome to be amplified. The temperature of the sample is repeatedly raised and lowered to help a DNA replication enzyme copy the target DNA sequence. The technique can produce a billion copies of the target sequence in just a few hours.
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