Question

What is real time PCR?

Answer 1

PCR:

1. PCR stands for Polymerase Chain reaction.
2. It is a technique that can monitor the progress of PCR reaction in real-time and simultaneously a small amount of product formed from that reaction can be quantified.
3. It is a highly useful process used in biotechnology and bioinformatics.
4. It is based on the principle of detection of increased fluorescence produced by reporter molecules.
5. A specific piece of DNA is amplified using PCR for producing its millions of copies so as to study it in greater detail.

Steps of PCR:

1. Denaturation: The DNA strand is heated to 95°C to separate the two strands.
2. Annealing: Binding of DNA primers at 55°C to the open ends that will act as a template for new strand formation.
3. Extension: Synthesis of the new DNA strand at 72°C using thermostable Taq polymerase enzyme.