Agronomy and Horticulture Department
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Date of this Version
2003
Document Type
Article
Citation
Plant and Soil Sciences eLibrary (PASSeL) Lesson
A contribution of the University of Nebraska College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Lincoln NE 68583, Journal Series 04-12
Abstract
Overview
The polymerase chain reaction laboratory technique is used in a variety of applications to make copies of a specific DNA sequence. This lesson describes how a PCR reaction works, what it accomplishes and its basic requirements for success. Examples of interpreting results are given. PCR’s strengths, weaknesses, and applications to plant biotechnology are explained.
Objectives
At the completion of this PCR lesson, learners will be able to:
- Describe what natural cellular process PCR mimics.
- List the 5 chemical components of a PCR reaction and describe their roles.
- List the functions of the 3 temperature cycles which are repeated during a PCR reaction.
- Describe the process of observing results and interpreting results of an experiment.
- Explain both the strengths and weaknesses of PCR.
- List possible uses of PCR in plant biotechnology.
Modules:
COinS
Comments
Copyright © 2003 Deana M. Namuth. Used by permission.
Peer reviewed web lesson JNRLSE approved 2003
This project was supported in part by the National Research Initiative Competitive Grants CAP project 2011-68002-30029 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, administered by the University of California-Davis and by the National Science Foundation (NSF), Division of Undergraduate Education, National SMETE Digital Library Program, Award #0938034, administered by the University of Nebraska. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the USDA or NSF.
Development of this lesson was supported in part by Cooperative State Research, Education, & Extension Service, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture under Agreement Number 98-EATP-1-0403 administered by Cornell University and the American Distance Education Consortium (ADEC); and in part by USDA Initiative for Future Agriculture and Food Systems (IFAFS) and the Cooperative State Research, Education, & Extension Service, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture under Agreement Number 00-52100-9710. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.