The polymerase chain reaction: basic methodology and applications

Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis. 1991;14(3):209-21. doi: 10.1016/0147-9571(91)90001-t.

Abstract

The "polymerase chain reaction" (PCR) is a high-power molecular biology technique allowing in vitro enzymatic amplification of a given DNA sequence. This exponential amplification can reach 10(7)-10(9), even a single DNA molecule can be detected. Also the use of non-radioactive probes, considered to be less sensitive than their radioactive counterparts, is possible for the molecular hybridization, to retain a high level of sensitivity. PCR is defined as a "free bacteria" cloning technique, which has many applications in fundamental research and in the clinical analysis of genetic disease, infectious diseases and cancers. Thus PCR is a revolutionary method which is capable of greatly stimulating scientific research and modifying the diagnostic area in the near future.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cloning, Molecular
  • DNA / biosynthesis*
  • DNA / chemistry
  • DNA Fingerprinting
  • Gene Amplification*
  • Genetic Diseases, Inborn / diagnosis
  • Infections / diagnosis
  • Mutagenesis, Site-Directed
  • Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Nucleic Acid Hybridization
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction*
  • Predictive Value of Tests

Substances

  • DNA