Question

What is Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)? Brieflly, what led to the invention of  Polymerase Chain Reaction?

Answer 1

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is an extensively employed molecular biology technique that rapidly copies specific DNA segments generating millions or more copies (Amplification). The PCR product formed in much more amount than starting material is used for a number of downstream purposes. Polymerase Chain Reaction is one of the main techniques underlying modern molecular biology. 

 H. Gobind Khorana in early 1970's developed many techniques related to  synthetic DNA oligonucleotide work. Thomas Brock (1969) reported the isolation of Thermus aquaticus (Taq). It became the source of heat stable enzymes.  Heat stable Taq DNA polymerase was isolated in 1976 from Thermus aquaticus. This was key step in PCR development. Kary Mullis conceived, originally developed and named PCR around 1983. 

 

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is an extensively employed molecular biology technique developed by Kary Mullis that rapidly copies specific DNA segments generating millions or more copies.