DNA amplification by the polymerase chain reaction

Journal Article · Sun Jul 01 00:00:00 EDT 1990 · Analytical Chemistry (Washington); (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/ac00212a004· OSTI ID:5359002

Gibbs, R A ^[1]

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1. Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX (USA)

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a technique involving enzymatic amplification of nucleic acid sequences via repeated cycles of denaturation, oligonucleotide annealing, and DNA polymerase extension. PCR has revolutionized the practice of DNA technology as it allows virtually any nucleic acid sequence to be readily generated in vitro in relatively great abundance, so that subsequent analyses are not confounded by the presence of other DNA fragments or a lack of material with which to work. PCR also enables the sequence of individual DNA fragments to be altered. The method has advantages over conventional procedures for DNA cloning and analysis in many circumstances because it is faster, simpler, and more flexible. The total range and number of applications that have evolved in the short time since the first report of PCR are enormous. This review describes some of the history of PCR, the principle of the method, practical considerations for performing PCR, and a variety of applications.

• OSTI ID: 5359002
• Journal Information: Analytical Chemistry (Washington); (United States), Vol. 62:13; ISSN 0003-2700
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

37 INORGANIC
ORGANIC
PHYSICAL AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
DNA
MEASURING METHODS
DNA POLYMERASES
DNA SEQUENCING
IN VITRO
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
NUCLEIC ACIDS
REVIEWS
DOCUMENT TYPES
ENZYMES
NUCLEOTIDYLTRANSFERASES
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PHOSPHORUS-GROUP TRANSFERASES
POLYMERASES
STRUCTURAL CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
TRANSFERASES
400102* - Chemical & Spectral Procedures
550200 - Biochemistry