Name the technique to obtain multiple copies, of a DNA segment of interest, synthesized in vitro. Name two sets of primers that are necessary for reaction to occur. Mention three diagnostic applications of this technique.
Answer. PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction).
The two sets of primers (small chemically synthesised oligonucleotides that are complementary to the regions of DNA) are required in each cycle of polymerase chain reaction. Primers hybridise to target DNA region and allow synthesis of the DNA towards one another whereas DNA polymerase synthesise DNA region between the primers using dNTPs and Mg2+. Three diagnostic applications of PCR are :
(i) Diagnosis of pathogens
(ii) Diagnosis of specific mutations
(iii) Prenatal diagnosis
