PCR Machine: Everything You Need to Know

 

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) machines are used to amplify certain segments of DNA and RNA that are picked from the genome by implementing a primer. PCR machines are highly efficient and cost-effective tools that researchers use to make millions of copies of a small segment of DNA. These devices blend the principles of complementary nucleic acid hybridization with nucleic acid replication to create target DNA/RNA sequences within a few hours.

Significance of a PCR machine

As mentioned above, a PCR machine is used to make numerous copies of a small segment of DNA. This process is also termed “molecular photocopying”. It enables scientists to amplify DNA so that they can know more about its characteristics. Amplification is needed because with a single DNA, it’s impossible to work during genetic and molecular analyses. A PCR machine produces the amplified DNA that helps researchers when it comes to the investigation of genetic diseases, identification of bacteria/viruses, and DNA fingerprinting.

How does it function?

It won’t be an exaggeration to state that the advancements in the realm of life science would be impossible without PCR. This laboratory equipment has hugely contributed to several innovations. The polymerase chain reaction is divided into three steps as listed below:

1. Denaturing
2. Annealing
3.  Extension

The essential reagents include:

• DNA template
• Primers
• DNA polymerase
• dNTPs
•  PCR Buffer

Types of PCR machines

Given below are some of the common types of PCR machines:

• Conventional PCR machine: Scientists conduct a conventional polymerase chain reaction to amplify a target DNA sequence to several million within a short period. This PCR machine type permits the replication of cellular genetic material with a polymerase enzyme to construct certain fragments of DNA.
• qPCR: It is a variation of the conventional polymerase chain reaction which uses a single machine to blend the amplification of a DNA sequence with the quantification of the DNA concentration in any reaction. This is accomplished using fluorescence-detecting thermocyclers. Unlike PCR, qPCR offers a quicker alternative to facilitate analysis by identifying products in real-time during the exponential phase.
• dPCR: Digital PCR devices are the most reliable and precise devices on the market. They provide counts of target DNA with enhanced sensitivity, reproducibility, and accuracy. A digital polymerase chain reaction has the potential to disrupt molecular analysis technology on each level.

As mentioned earlier, a PCR machine is grounded on Polymerase Chain Reaction and generates copies of genes exponentially. Usually, the PCR cycling reactions are conducted in an automated thermocycler, which has the capacity to cool and heat the reaction tubes within a short period. PCR machines are categorized based on the capacity of PCR and are used to detect DNA sequences, replication of DNA, forensic analysis, DNA fingerprinting, and molecular cloning.