Question

What are some of the forensic and research applications of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)?

Answer 1

Mentioned below are only few of the applications of Polymerase Chain Reaction in the field of forensics and bioresearch.

Forensics:

Genetic Fingerprinting:

Sample DNA material in minutest of amounts from the crime spot are amplified by PCR and suspects are investigated thus helping in resolving crimes and delivery of justce.  

Parental Testing:

PCR enables confirming related individuals, recognizing kidnapped/distorted individuals and confirming parenthood by amplication and analysis of DNA samples from them using PCR. 

Bioresearch:

Hybridization Techniques: 

PCR by rapid generation of hybridization probes helps facilitate techniques like southern or northern blot hybridization.

DNA Sequencing: 

PCR assists in DNA sequence and variation determination that is very important in molecular biology.

Cloning :

PCR is useful in traditional cloning as well like extracting nucleic acid segments of interest or generating mutations like by site-directed mutagenesis. 

Expression Studies:

PCR is used in gene expression pattern studies to understand which genes are active or less active in any given conditions. RT-PCR is especially useful here. 

 

Forensic applications include genetic fingerprinting, parental testing etc. and research applications include in hybrization, cloning, sequencing, expression studies etc.