Overview

The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is a technique used to amplify specific DNA sequences. It involves repeated cycles of denaturation, annealing, and extension.

Steps

1. Denaturation: Heat to 95°C to separate DNA strands.

2. Annealing: Cool to 50-65°C to allow primers to bind.

3. Extension: Heat to 72°C for Taq polymerase to synthesize new DNA.

Repeat for 25-40 cycles.

Applications

PCR is used in cloning, diagnostics, forensics, and genetic research.