PCR stands for Polymerase Chain Reaction.
Explanation
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is a laboratory technique used to make millions or even billions of copies of a specific segment of DNA. It allows scientists to amplify tiny amounts of DNA to quantities sufficient for detailed study and analysis. This method was developed in 1983 by Kary Mullis, who later received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for this invention in 1993.
How PCR Works
PCR involves cycles of heating and cooling that separate the DNA strands, allow primers to bind to target DNA sequences, and use an enzyme called DNA polymerase to synthesize new DNA strands, exponentially increasing the amount of DNA in the sample.
Uses of PCR
PCR is widely used in various fields including medical diagnostics (such as detecting infectious diseases like COVID-19), forensic science, genetic research, and many other biological applications. Thus, PCR is a crucial molecular biology method for amplifying DNA segments.
