Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is an efficient and cost-effective molecular tool to copy or amplify small segments of DNA or RNA.  PCR combines the principles of complementary nucleic acid hybridization with those of nucleic acid replication that are applied repeatedly through numerous cycles.

• HCV RNA by PCR
• HBV DNA by PCR
• HIV DNA by PCR

Receive all our future posts instantly in your inbox. Enter your email to enroll.

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a laboratory technique for DNA replication that allows a “target” DNA sequence to be selectively amplified. PCR can use the smallest sample of the DNA to be cloned and amplify it to millions of copies in just a few hours. Discovered in 1985 by Kerry Mullis, PCR has become both and essential and routine tool in most biological laboratories.

Principle of PCR

The PCR involves the primer mediated enzymatic amplification of DNA. PCR is based on using the ability of DNA polymerase to synthesize new strand of DNA complementary to the offered template strand. Primer is needed because DNA polymerase can add a nucleotide only onto a preexisting 3′-OH group to add the first nucleotide. DNA polymerase then elongate its 3 end by adding more nucleotides to generate an extended region of double stranded DNA.

Components of PCR

The PCR reaction requires the following components:

1. DNA Template : The double stranded DNA (dsDNA) of interest, separated from the sample.
2. DNA Polymerase : Usually a thermostable Taq polymerase that does not rapidly denature at high temperatures (98°), and can function at a temperature optimum of about 70°C.
3. Oligonucleotide primers : Short pieces of single stranded DNA (often 20-30 base pairs) which are complementary to the 3’ ends of the sense and anti-sense strands of the target sequence.
4. Deoxynucleotide triphosphates : Single units of the bases A, T, G, and C (dATP, dTTP, dGTP, dCTP) provide the energy for polymerization and the building blocks for DNA synthesis.
5. Buffer system : Includes magnesium and potassium to provide the optimal conditions for DNA denaturation and renaturation; also important for polymerase activity, stability and fidelity.

Procedure of PCR

All the PCR components are mixed together and are taken through series of 3 major cyclic reactions conducted in an automated, self-contained thermocycler machine.

1. Denaturation :
   This step involves heating the reaction mixture to 94°C for 15-30 seconds. During this, the double stranded DNA is denatured to single strands due to breakage in weak hydrogen bonds.
2. Annealing :
   The reaction temperature is rapidly lowered to 54-60°C for 20-40 seconds. This allows the primers to bind (anneal) to their complementary sequence in the template DNA.
3. Elongation :
   Also known at extension, this step usually occurs at 72-80°C (most commonly 72°C). In this step, the polymerase enzyme sequentially adds bases to the 3′ each primer, extending the DNA sequence in the 5′ to 3′ direction. Under optimal conditions, DNA polymerase will add about 1,000 bp/minute.

Types of PCR

Several modification of PCR methods have been developed to enhance the utility of this method in diagnostic settings based on their applications. Some of the common types of PCR are;

1. Real-Time PCR
2. Nested PCR
3. Multiplex PCR
4. Quantitative PCR
5. Arbitrary Primed PCR

Applications of PCR

• Identification and characterization of infectious agents
  • Direct detection of microorganisms in patient specimens
  • Identification of microorganisms grown in culture
  • Detection of antimicrobial resistance
  • Investigation of strain relatedness of pathogen of interest
• Genetic fingerprinting (forensic application/paternity testing)
• Detection of mutation ( investigation of genetic diseases)
• Cloning genes
• PCR sequencing

Related Articles: