How the DNA Thermal Cycler Uses PCR to Copy DNA Strands
Learn how specific segments of DNA are amplified (copied) in a laboratory using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques.
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Transcript
NARRATOR: The technique known as the polymerase chain reaction—or, more simply, DNA amplification—enables scientists to prepare genetic material from almost any biological forensic sample. This technique has been automated and is now usually done using an instrument known as the DNA thermal cycler.
First, the sample under investigation is treated to dissolve its DNA content. The solution is then heated, which causes the double strands of the DNA molecule to separate. DNA-polymerizing enzyme is added. This uses each single strand of the original DNA as a template to build up two new copies, so there are now two identical double-stranded molecules of DNA.
A second heating cycle separates the two double strands, and the polymerizing enzyme gets to work again. So now there are four double-stranded molecules of DNA.
With each cycle the number of DNA molecules is doubled. Millions of copies of the original DNA molecule can be synthesized in a few hours.
First, the sample under investigation is treated to dissolve its DNA content. The solution is then heated, which causes the double strands of the DNA molecule to separate. DNA-polymerizing enzyme is added. This uses each single strand of the original DNA as a template to build up two new copies, so there are now two identical double-stranded molecules of DNA.
A second heating cycle separates the two double strands, and the polymerizing enzyme gets to work again. So now there are four double-stranded molecules of DNA.
With each cycle the number of DNA molecules is doubled. Millions of copies of the original DNA molecule can be synthesized in a few hours.