Polymerase Chain Reaction

Applications of PCR

 

 

 

Gene sequencing

PCR is a rapid, inexpensive and simple to way of copying DNA sequences from minute quantities even when the source material is of poor quality (Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham University, 2014). This technique is very valuable for obtaining DNA for cloning genes for gene sequencing purposes because the gene of interest is easily amplified if the flanking sequences are known. This is typically important for diagnosis of genetic diseases whereby inherited genetic changes or genetic mutations can be detected almost immediately. For example, parents can screened for genetic disease before deciding on having children as well as screening for genetic diseases before birth of child. Moreover, DNA profilling can be done through amplification of sample from hair root or blood, particularly for paternity testing and tissue typing for organ transplantation. This can be applied because of the profiles of specific stretches of DNA are varying from person to person. Meanwhile, courts are also using PCR to compare the genetic evidence found at crime scenes to that of the suspect’s DNA for similarities to prove either guilt or innocence. PCR can also be used in isolation of genes and decoding the human genome itself (John Wiley & Sons Publishers, 2012).

 

 

 

Study the diversity of environment

PCR is also used in comparative or phylogenetic studies to amplify genes from various sources. The primers are made for regions of the gene that are conserved in sequence across a wide variety of organisms in the diverse environment. 16S rRNA is a molecule used for phylogenetic analyses, has both highly conserved and highly variable regions (Rajendhran J. and Gunasekaran P., 2011). Therefore, the primers specific for 16S rRNA gene from various taxonomic groups can be synthesized. This technique is widely used in microbial ecology to survey different groups of organisms. It is a fact that the culturable microorganisms present in nature is only 1% and most of them are not yet cultured or unculturable. However, with little sample of interest target sequence, we are able to discover the diversity of microbes.

 

 

 

Other uses

PCR is used in archeology, to amplify and clone DNA from sources such as human remains and fossilized plants and animals. Also, clinical samples can be amplify to identify certain pathogens or viruses present in the sample. PCR can also used in personalised medicine or treatment for patients in order to reduce or avoid negative response which can affect the patients.