PCR and Gel Electrophoresis

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What is PCR?

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Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is a technique used to amplify specific DNA sequences, making millions of copies of a particular segment of DNA.

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What are the three main steps of PCR?

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1. Denaturation: DNA strands are separated. 2. Annealing: Primers bind to the target DNA. 3. Extension: New DNA strands are synthesized.

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What is the purpose of denaturation in PCR?

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To separate the double-stranded DNA into single strands by heating.

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What is the role of primers in PCR?

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Primers are short sequences of nucleotides that provide a starting point for DNA synthesis during the PCR process.

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What is the function of DNA polymerase in PCR?

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DNA polymerase is an enzyme that synthesizes new DNA strands by adding nucleotides to the primers during the extension phase.

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What is the temperature range for denaturation in PCR?

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94°C - 98°C.

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What is the temperature range for annealing in PCR?

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50°C - 65°C.

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What is the temperature range for extension in PCR?

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68°C - 72°C.

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What is gel electrophoresis?

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Gel electrophoresis is a laboratory method used to separate DNA fragments based on their size by applying an electric field to a gel matrix.

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What is the purpose of gel electrophoresis in molecular biology?

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To analyze and visualize DNA fragments after PCR or restriction enzyme digestion.