In the early 1980s, a revolutionary technique burst onto the scene of molecular biology.
Known as Polymerase Chain Reaction, or PCR, this method, developed by American biochemist Kary Mullis, allowed for the rapid amplification of DNA, forever changing the landscape of scientific research.
Among the many different forms of PCR, three stand out for their unique characteristics and applications: reverse transcription, nested, and digital PCR. Each plays a vital role in areas ranging from forensic science and medicine to biotechnology and research.
Reverse transcription PCR, often referred to as RT-PCR, has the unique ability to quantify the RNA present in a sample.
This opens the door for researchers to study changes in gene expression and detect RNA viruses such as HIV, influenza, and SARS.
Clinical laboratories have widely adopted RT-PCR for its ability to diagnose patients by detecting and quantifying infectious diseases.
Nested PCR, on the other hand, is a two-step process that involves two rounds of amplification using two sets of primers. This technique is particularly useful when the target DNA sequence is scarce or when a high level of specificity is required. The first round of amplification amplifies the DNA fragment, while the second round enhances the specificity of the reaction, providing a highly accurate result.
Digital PCR, or dPCR, takes a different approach by dividing the sample into numerous partitions. Each partition contains a portion of the sample and can potentially contain zero or one copy of the target nucleic acid. After amplification, the partitions are analyzed to determine the number of positive partitions, which is then used to calculate the absolute concentration of the target nucleic acid in the original sample. As you can see, the world of PCR is a diverse and fascinating one, with each type offering unique benefits and applications. To learn more about these techniques and how they can be applied in your laboratory, consider reaching out to BioPathogenix. BioPathogenix is a trusted partner for laboratories worldwide. We offer top-grade lab supplies such as quality reagent kits, highly sensitive BPX extraction kits, and multiplex qPCR reagents. We provide attenuated pathogen quality control and alternate proficiency testing.
To place an order or find out more about how BioPathogenix can help your lab, visit biopathogenix.com and contact us using the following details.
www.biopathogenix.com
(859) 444-5660
order@biopathogenix.com​
120 Dewey Dr STE 126
Nicholasville, KY 40356​