Tag Archives: Taq polymerase

The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Can Make Millions of Copies of DNA in a Short Time

• The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a rapid way of amplifying (duplicating) specific DNA sequences
• Method was devised by Kary Mullis of Cetus Corporation, Emeryville
  • He recieved a $20,000 bonus and later a Nobel Prize
  • Later the patent was sold to Hoffman-LaRoche for $300,000,000
• DNA heated to high temperature is not destroyed; separates into single strands, but reforms helix when cooled
• PCR Method:
  • DNA to be amplified is put into solution containing:
    • Short DNA “primers” which can bind to the 3′ ends of the DNA