What is the pcr method?
The PCR test became a household term during the COVID-19 pandemic. But what does PCR actually mean? How does this technology work, and why is it so important? Uncover the mystery of PCR and explore its revolutionary impact in this blog.
What does pcr stand for?
Let’s start with the basics—PCR is an acronym for Polymerase Chain Reaction. It’s a technique used to make millions of copies of a small DNA sample. But first, a quick refresher: what exactly is DNA?
A crash course in DNA
DNA consists of two long chains that twist around each other in a spiral staircase-like structure called the double helix. The double helix is well-known for its twisted ladder appearance. The building blocks of these chains are called nucleotides, of which there are four types: A, C, T, and G, short for adenine, cytosine, thymine, and guanine. Each nucleotide pairs with its complement: A pairs with T, and C pairs with G. This complementary pairing means that if you know the sequence on one strand, you can determine the sequence on the other.
How does the PCR method work?
The PCR method amplifies DNA through three simple steps that are repeated in cycles. To replicate DNA, four components are required: primers, a DNA template, DNA polymerase, and nucleotides. Here’s how the process works:
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Heating (denaturation)
The mixture is heated to around 95°C, causing the double-stranded DNA to separate, much like unzipping a zipper. -
Binding (annealing)
The temperature is lowered to 50–65°C, allowing primers to attach to the starting points of the DNA segment to be copied. -
Copying (elongation)
At 72°C, DNA polymerase binds to the primers and synthesises a new DNA strand by adding the complementary nucleotides (A, T, C, G).
Each cycle doubles the DNA quantity, and within a few hours, millions of copies of a small DNA fragment can be created.
Applications of the PCR method
PCR enables the amplification of DNA in large quantities, which is critical for research and diagnostics. Here are some key applications:
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Covid-19 testing
During the pandemic, PCR was used to detect the coronavirus in samples, even when only tiny amounts of the virus were present. This allowed for quick and reliable diagnosis. -
Genetic disease diagnosis
In medicine, PCR helps identify genetic mutations linked to diseases. Small DNA samples can be analysed to detect hereditary conditions early. -
Paternity testing
By comparing the DNA of a child and a presumed father, PCR can confirm biological relationships with near certainty, even from minimal DNA samples.
PCR: a cornerstone of science and medicine
From COVID-19 diagnostics to genetic research, the PCR method has proven indispensable. While it gained fame during the pandemic, its significance extends far beyond, underpinning countless scientific and medical advancements.
Curious about the world of microbiology and DNA?
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