Hayat Ashraf

PCR stands for Polymerase Chain Reaction, and it is a powerful molecular biology technique used to amplify specific DNA sequences. The invention of PCR in 1983 by Kary Mullis revolutionized the field of genetics and biotechnology. PCR has since become a fundamental tool in various scientific disciplines, including medical research, forensics, agriculture, and environmental studies. The PCR process involves three main steps: denaturation, annealing, and extension, which are repeated in cycles to amplify the targeted DNA region exponentially. The key components of a PCR reaction include: 1. Template DNA: The DNA sample containing the target sequence to be amplified. 2. Primers: Short, single-stranded DNA molecules that flank the target DNA region and serve as starting points for DNA synthesis by the DNA polymerase enzyme. 3. DNA Polymerase: An enzyme that synthesizes a complementary DNA strand using the primers as templates. 4. Nucleotides: Building blocks of DNA (adenine, thymine, cytos...