molecular techniques

Question 1

explain the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)?

Answer 1

amplifies specific DNA fragments

thermal cycles of denaturation (95c), annealing (55c) and extension(72c)

DNA strands separate, primers adhere, Taq polymerase build strand

Question 2

what are some clinical applications of PCR?

Answer 2

investigate single base mutations

investigate small deletions/insertions

diagnose infectious diseases

investigate genetic variations

Question 3

explain process of gel electrophoresis

Answer 3

DNA is neg charged will move towards pos electrode

DNA placed in gel in electric field, small molecules travel faster

process allows DNA to be separated by size

Question 4

what is the SDS-PAGE technique?

Answer 4

detergent SDS denatures proteins and a net negative charge is formed

proteins migrate according to size

used to detect abnormal proteins in sample