3-2.5.4 Forensic sciences

Genetic fingerprint is one of the most exploited application of PCR (also known as DNA profiling).Profiles of specific stretches of DNA are used in genetic fingerprinting (generally 13 loci are compared) which is differ from person to person. PCR also plays a role in analysis of genomic or mitochondrial DNA, in which investigators used samples from hair shafts and bones when other samples are not accessible.

3-2.5.5 Research in Molecular Biology

PCR is an essential technique in cloning procedure which allows generation of large amounts of pure DNA from tiny amount of template strand and further study of a particular gene. Some alterations to the PCR protocol can generate mutations (general or site-directed) in a sequence either by an inserted fragment or base alteration.PCR is used for s equence-tagged sites (STSs) as an indicator that a particular segment of a genome is present in a particular clone. A common application of Real-time PCR is the study of expression patterns of genes during different developmental stages. PCR can also investigate ‘ON or OFF” of particular genes at different stages in tissues(or even in individual cells).

3-2.5.6 Others

PCR has numerous applications in various fields. The Human Genome Project (HGP) for determining the sequence of the 3 billion base pairs in the human genome, relied heavily on PCR.The genes associated with a variety of diseases have been identified using PCR. For example, Duchenne muscular dystrophy,which is caused by the mutation of a gene, identified by a PCR technique called Multiplex PCR. PCR can help to study for DNA from various organisms such as viruses or bacteria. PCR has been used to identify and to explore relationships among species in the field of evolutionary biology. In anthropology, it is also used to understand the ancient human migration patterns. In archaeology, it has been used to spot the ancient human race. PCR commonly used by Paleontologists to amplify DNA from extinct species or cryopreserved fossils of millions years and thus can be further studied to elucidate on.

 

 

Bibliography:

Bruce A. White (1993); Methods in molecular biology: PCR Protocols, Springer , Vol 15.

Julian Burke (1996) PCR: Essential techniques; John Wiley & Sons.