Polymerase Chain Reaction in Disease Diagnosis

Biotechnology
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Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is a laboratory technique which amplifies and creates large number of copies of particular fragment of genetic material (DNA and RNA). This technique is widely used in various disease diagnosis methods such as infectious diseases (virus, bacteria, fungi and parasites), genetic diseases (cystic fibrosis, fragile X syndrome, etc.), some types of cancer, gene variations, etc.

How PCR test works:

  • Sample collection- it can be blood, saliva, mucus or tissue.
  • Extraction of genetic material from sample.
  • Amplification using certain enzymes, chemicals and providing specific temperature conditions at set time intervals.
  • Detection of disease from amplified genetic material, by giving indication on the PCR machine about the presence or absence of virus or any other pathogen.

Given below is the image depicting the parts of a PCR machine used to diagnose various diseases:

PCR.
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Image Source

To understand the process of Polymerase Chain Reaction, following diagram can be referred having steps, temperatures and material used in making copies of genetic material:

Mechanism
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Image Source

References:

Link 1 PCR Test

Link 2 PCR Tests

MBH/AB

4 Likes
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Fantastic PCR breakdown! :microscope::sparkles:
From sample collection to amplification and final detection, you have provided a very clear explanation of the procedure. The foundation of contemporary diagnostics is PCR, which provides incredibly accurate detection of infections, genetic disorders, and even cancer :dna::high_voltage:.

It is even simpler to understand thanks to the step-by-step process and illustrations. Such posts really help demystify lab science for everyone :woman_scientist::scientist::light_bulb:
Looking forward to more insightful content like this!

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This is a clear and well-structured explanation of PCR and its importance in modern diagnostics. You effectively highlight how a simple sample whether blood, saliva, or tissue can be transformed into meaningful clinical information through extraction, amplification, and detection. The inclusion of visuals strengthens understanding, especially for learners unfamiliar with thermal cycling and enzyme-driven DNA replication. PCR’s ability to detect viruses, bacteria, genetic disorders, and even cancer makes it one of the most powerful tools in laboratory medicine. Your summary captures both the simplicity of the workflow and the sophistication behind its life-saving applications.

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Wonderful explanation of PCR.

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Very informative!!

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Glad you find it helpful for easy and better understanding of Polymerase Chain Reaction.

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Truly, PCR is one of the finest and most powerful disease diagnostic tools. Good to hear that such visuals made it convenient to understand the concept.