The Role Of Pcr Microplates In Many Different Disciplines

When working with DNA scientists need a way to isolate that part of it with which they need to work

. In the 1980's chemist Kary Mullis found a way to do just that and called it the Polymerase Chain Reaction, usually shortened to PCR.

PCR is a method of multiplying a microscopic strand of DNA by the billions thus creating many more specific samples with which to conduct tests and experiments. So important was the invention of PCR that it seen as one of the most significant scientific techniques of our time and Dr. Mullis went on to win the Nobel Prize for this technology.

As with all new technologies, the invention of PCR brought with it the need for specific equipment and even the simplest items have special requirements. All laboratories use microplates, also called microtitres, made of one or other tried and tested form of plastic in their centrifuge and analysing instruments. A PCR lab is no different except that it needs microplates that are Rnase and Dnase-free, and human-DNA free so as not to interfere with the sensitive PCR system and contaminate results.

Single PCR microtubes can be compared to a single test tube. Of course, clinical diagnostics or molecular research will generally require large numbers of samples to be tested at the same time and so PCR microplates are beds of multiple microtubes arranged in tight rows and sized to fit the variety of laboratory equipment that will be used in the analysis of their contents,.

PCR Microplates are available with 96, 384, or 786 wells. Small differences in design are necessary for different jobs and to fit different PCR equipment. Some microplates have a small rim round each well, some are skirted or semi-skirted. Some are especially thin-walled for maximum heat transfer others are sold specifically on the guarantee of the uniformity of the well walls.

PCR plates are available in different colours. Cell cultures are usually done in a clear polystyrene plate while white or black microplates are used for fluorescent and luminescence assays.

In the movie, Jurassic Park, the concept of PCR was used as the means by which the DNA of long extinct dinosaurs could be extracted from mosquitoes and amplified enough to recreate those long lost creatures. In real life, a relatively new branch of science, paleobiology, is indeed using PCR to study museum fossils and PCR has recently been used in three separate studies to amplify DNA found in three mammoth specimens. Whether or not a real Jurassic Park would ever be viable (or morally desirable) there is no doubt that PCR- based technology would benecessary in its creation.

In a forensics lab only a few skin cells are needed and millions of exact copies of the DNA can be made. Previous technologies needed a much larger sample size in order to produce the same quantity of material.

PCR is also widely used in the fields of genetics, medicine, molecular biology and biotechnology. It is used in clinical medical laboratories in the research of infectious diseases, neoplastic disorders (tumours), and hereditary disorders.

by: Andrew Long

POST COMMENT

Usefulness of 4gb micro sd Expert Helps Plaintiff Disprove Driver's Version Of Accident How To Fluff A Down Pillow A Soldier's Journey From Hell to the FATBURNING FURNACE The Harmful Effects Of Pesticides Handling Anger Effectively A LUZ QUE VEM DO FAROL: A IMPORTÂNCIA DA BIBLIOTECA PARA CURURUPU Three Series Of Characteristic Abrasives SEO - Is it Really That Important? Honey Bees Are Essential To Life On Earth Xylitol For Low 6 Things Not To Say On A First Date The Best Wakeboard Vest for Cable Parks