Question

What is PCR cloning used for?

Answer 1

PCR:

1. PCR is the polymerase chain reaction.
2. This is a method for cloning a gene or for the amplification of a gene to make multiple copies.

Steps in PCR:

1. Denaturation: At temperatures between 94^°-95^°C, here denaturation of DNA occurs. The parent DNA breaks and forms two strands due to application of high temperature.
2. Annealing: At temperature between 50^°-56^° C, the DNA primer bind to the DNA strands.
3. Elongation: At a temperature of 72^° C, the Taq polymerase bind to primer and forms double-stranded DNA from a single strand.

Uses of PCR cloning:

1. Human diagnostic: Detection of infection (viral, bacterial, fungal).
2. Environmental monitoring: Water quality monitoring and food safety testing.
3. Scientific Research: Preparing DNA to sequence, Monitoring gene expression, Manipulating DNA in genetic engineering and synthetic biology.