Question

How might PCR biotechnology be useful to you? Give a real or imagined example.

Answer 1

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a common laboratory technique used to make many copies (millions or billions!) of a particular region of DNA

PCR can be significantly used in various field

Medical Applications

·         The Human Genome Project was one of the main drivers that contributed to the development of PCR technology, and it has allowed us to identify many genes related to certain phenotypes, including genetic disorders.

Genetic testing. PCR can be use to analyze the presence of genetic disease mutations.

·         Tissue typing prior to organ transplantation.

·         Formulation of individualized cancer therapy treatments.

·         PCR can be use to diagnose and therefore aid in the treatment of many diseases,

·         Forensic Applications

·         Genetic fingerprinting. PCR can be used to incriminate or rule out suspects in a crime investigation.

·         Parental testing. PCR can be used to confirm the biological parents of an adopted child and/or identify the remains of an unidentified body.

·         PCR allows DNA to be identified from tiny samples – a single molecule of DNA can be enough for PCR amplification.

Infectious Disease Detection and Identification

·         Detection of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), one of the most difficult viruses to detect, and other disease organisms such as those that cause middle ear infection, tuberculosis and Lyme disease.

·         Early detection of several forms of cancer including leukemia and lymphoma.

·         Detection of viral DNA and virulent sub-types, including those that caused earlier epidemics.

Applications in Molecular Biology Research

·         DNA sequencing, DNA cloning and gene expression. PCR can be used to produce huge amounts of pure DNA samples from a limited source.

·         Production of hybridization probes for both northern and southern blot hybridization.

·         Analysis of DNA from ancient sources.

Phylogenetics

Minute quantities of DNA, including ancient DNA, from sources such as hair, bones and other tissues can be amplified using PCR. The DNA can then be identified and analysed, and genomes can be sequenced. These processes allow scientists to further their knowledge and understanding of evolution and paleontology. Genome sequencing can also aid in phylogenetic studies, leading to greater understanding of organisms’ evolutionary relationships to each other. This information can be useful to scientists in supporting conservation efforts, studying evolution and understanding unique adaptations.

Genetic research

There are many fields of genetic research that use PCR as an essential tool. The majority of these technologies have multidisciplinary applications. These include the creation, detection and monitoring of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), genetic engineering, gene modification, transgenics, cloning, hybridisation, synthetic biology and directed evolution.