Question

PCR is a technology that has many useful applications with biotechnology. What are some of those applications? What are the advantages of PCR over gene cloning for generating many copies of a DNA fragment?

Humans are almost identical in the protein-coding sections of the genome, yet each individual has a unique DNA profile. Explain how this is possible?

Answer 1

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is a technology which was developed by kary mullis and is used for producing multiple copies of the a DNA fragment. It involves repetitive cylces of denaturation, annelaing and primer extension. Some of the applications of PCR include :

a) Detection of some diseases which are otherwise difficult to detect such as HIV infections.

b) Used in genetic fingerprinting to identify the criminals or solve paternal matters.

c) DNA sequecing can be done using PCR and DNA cloning is also replaced by PCR Technology where multiple copies of any segemnt of DNA can be obtained using specific set of forward and reverse primers.

If specific set of forward and reverse primers are designed then we can easily amplify a particular segment of DNA which is needed for the purpose of cloning. Thus the DNA segment is now avaliable in huge quantities which fastens and eases the process of DNA Cloning.

Humans share almost 99% of their DNA segment with each other and only 0.1 - 1% of the segment is unique which causes unique DNA profile of each individual. Since DNA is inherited partly from the mother and partly from the father therefore the DNA formed in the progeny is unique. Protein coding regions of the genome are only 1.1-1.4% and the rest of the DNA does not code for the protein and gives the unique DNA profile of the individuals.